Armenia Welcomes Recent Statements from France and the United Kingdom – Vahan Kostanyan

On July 29, Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan participated and delivered a speech at a high-level international conference organized by France and Saudi Arabia in New York, at the United Nations headquarters, addressing the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state principle. In his speech, the Deputy Foreign Minister stated, "First of all, I would like to thank the French Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for initiating this conference aimed at implementing the principle of two states at a time when it is more necessary than ever to pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.

Armenia is convinced that only the existence of two independent neighboring states can guarantee lasting stability, security, peace, and prosperity for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, where everyone enjoys the benefits of peaceful coexistence. Guided by this idea and being a consistent supporter of the two-state principle, Armenia recognized the state of Palestine in June 2024, and subsequently established diplomatic relations with it during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. In this context, Armenia welcomes the recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the recognition of the state of Palestine and the United Kingdom’s intention to recognize it.

We are particularly proud that the foreign ministers of France and Palestine had the opportunity to meet in Armenia during the "Yerevan Dialogue" diplomatic conference, paving the way for this historic event. Based on our own experience, Armenia is well aware of the horrors of war. Despite our limited resources, we have continually made efforts to address the needs of the Palestinian people. Based on an agreement between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Egypt, we have sent humanitarian aid to Gaza and support the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Taking this opportunity, let me also announce that we have reached an agreement with Palestine regarding the temporary safeguarding of Palestine's endangered cultural heritage at the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts - the Matenadaran. Armenia also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the security, safety, and full rights protection of Christian communities in both states. Being one of the world's oldest Christian nations, we place particular importance on the preservation of Christian heritage in the Holy Land.

Armenia is optimistic that the historical status quo governing the holy sites in Jerusalem will be maintained and fully respected as a cornerstone of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. Since the horrific attacks on October 7, 2023, accompanied by indescribable violence, massacres, and hostage-taking, which we strongly condemn, we have witnessed the worst escalation in the region, with tragic consequences for millions of innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.

The solution to all these calamities is clear. Military operations must cease; a ceasefire must be established and strengthened to prevent further bloodshed; all detained persons and hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally, while ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid. Above all, negotiations based on the principle of the "two states" solution must be viewed as the only viable path to establish lasting and dignified peace in the Middle East.

Allow me to conclude by once again thanking France and Saudi Arabia for co-hosting this important conference and, as a country with significant engagement in regional developments, reaffirming our strong support for the establishment of lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East. Thank you!"