Armenia has reaffirmed its support for the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the implementation of the Two-State Solution, welcoming recent steps by France and the United Kingdom toward the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan delivered a speech at the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia and brought together senior diplomats and policymakers from around the world.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Kostanyan expressed Armenia’s full support for the creation of two independent states—Israel and Palestine—living side by side in peace and security. He highlighted Armenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine in June 2024 and the subsequent establishment of diplomatic relations during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
Kostanyan particularly welcomed the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron and the recent statement by the United Kingdom signaling their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood. “We are also particularly proud that the Foreign Ministers of France and Palestine had a chance to meet in Armenia in the margins of the Yerevan Dialogue diplomatic forum, paving a way for this historic development,” he noted.
Referring to Armenia’s own experience of war, the Deputy Minister underscored the country’s commitment to humanitarian support. He recalled Armenia’s recent delivery of aid to Gaza and continued assistance to UNRWA, as well as a new agreement with the Palestinian side allowing endangered cultural heritage to be temporarily sheltered at the Matenadaran – the Armenian Institute of Ancient Manuscripts.
Kostanyan also emphasized the importance of preserving Christian heritage and safeguarding the rights of Christian communities in the region. “As one of the world’s oldest Christian nations, we attach particular significance to the preservation of the Christian heritage in the Holy Land,” he said, calling for full respect of the historic Status Quo arrangements governing Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and beyond.
Addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Kostanyan condemned the October 7, 2023 attacks and called for an immediate and unconditional release of hostages and detainees, an enforced ceasefire, and unrestricted humanitarian access. He stressed that negotiations, not violence, must remain the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister concluded by thanking France and Saudi Arabia for organizing the conference and reiterated Armenia’s readiness to contribute to peace and stability in the region.
