Armenia welcomes French President’s statements on recognition of the State of Palestine – Deputy FM's speech at the UN
3 minute read
Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan participated and 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, organized at the UN Headquarters under the co-chairmanship of France and Saudi Arabia.
According to the foreign ministry, in his remarks, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia noted:
"Armenia does believe that only two independent neighbor states can guarantee long-lasting stability, security, peace and prosperity for both Palestinian and also Israeli people, where all enjoy the benefits of peaceful co-existence. With this in mind, being always a supporter of the two-state solution, in June 2024 Armenia recognized the State of Palestine and later under the auspices of the 79th session of UNGA established diplomatic relations.
In this regard, Armenia welcomes the announcement of President of France Emmanuel Macron and the recent statement by the UK on intention to recognize the independence of the State of Palestine. We are also particularly proud that 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.
Based on our own experience Armenia clearly knows what the horror of war is. Despite the limited resources we have been trying to support the needs of Palestinian people. Based on the agreement between the President of Egypt and the Prime-Minister of Armenia we sent humanitarian aid to Gaza, we do also support the activities of UNRWA.
Taking the chance, allow me also to announce that we reached an agreement with Palestine that the Matenadaran-Armenian institute of ancient manuscripts will temporarily become a shelter for Palestinian endangered cultural heritage.
Armenia also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and full rights of Christian communities in both states. As one of the world's oldest Christian nations, we attach particular significance to the preservation of the Christian heritage in the Holy Land. Armenia hopes that the historic Status Quo arrangements governing the Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and beyond will be fully respected, as a cornerstone of interreligious harmony and peaceful coexistence.”