On July 29, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan delivered a strong message of support for the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to its peaceful resolution through the implementation of the Two-State Solution, noting Armenia’s appreciation of recent steps by France and the United Kingdom toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Kostanyan made these remarks during 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. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the event brought together senior diplomats and policymakers from around the world to advance peaceful solutions and reinforce international consensus on establishing an independent Palestinian state.
Kostanyan stated that Armenia firmly believes that the coexistence of two independent neighboring states is the only guarantee for lasting peace, security, and prosperity for both Palestinians and Israelis. As a consistent supporter of this principle, he recalled that on June 21, 2024, Armenia officially recognized the State of Palestine, and later, during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the two countries established diplomatic relations.
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 on the margins of the Yerevan Dialogue diplomatic forum, paving the way for this historic development,” he noted.
Referring to Armenia’s own experience of war, Kostanyan underscored the country’s commitment to humanitarian support. He highlighted Armenia’s recent delivery of aid to Gaza following an agreement between the Armenian Prime Minister and the Egyptian President, continued assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and a new agreement with the Palestinian side allowing endangered cultural heritage to be temporarily sheltered at the Matenadaran – the Armenian Institute of Ancient Manuscripts.
“The Republic of Armenia is genuinely committed to establishing peace and stability in the Middle East and lasting reconciliation between the Jewish and Palestinian peoples,” he said, reaffirming Armenia’s position on various international platforms. He also highlighted that Armenia joined the UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure, violence against civilians, and the taking of hostages during armed conflict.
As one of the world’s oldest Christian nations, Armenia also underscored the importance of protecting Christian heritage in the Holy Land. Kostanyan stressed that the historical Status Quo arrangements governing Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and beyond must be fully respected to preserve interreligious harmony. He emphasized Armenia’s hope that these historic arrangements will be maintained as a foundation for interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Kostanyan strongly condemned the horrific October 7, 2023, attacks, marked by unspeakable violence, massacres, and hostage-taking. He described the situation as the worst escalation in the region, with tragic consequences for millions of innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. He called for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees, the establishment and strengthening of a ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed, and unhindered humanitarian aid. He reaffirmed that negotiations based on the two-state solution must be viewed as the only viable path to securing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
On the sidelines of the ministerial conference, Deputy Foreign Minister Kostanyan met with Palestine’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian. They reviewed the progress of bilateral relations, exchanged ideas on potential joint initiatives, and noted with satisfaction the participation of Palestinian diplomats in Armenia’s diplomatic training programs.
Kostanyan concluded by thanking France and Saudi Arabia for organizing the conference and reiterated Armenia’s strong commitment to contributing to peace, stability, and well-being in the region.
