Speaking at a UN conference in New York focused on resolving the Palestinian issue through the "two-state" solution, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan stated that Armenia firmly believes the coexistence of two independent neighboring states is the only guarantee for lasting peace, security, and prosperity for both Palestinians and Israelis.
He emphasized Armenia's hope that the historical status quo concerning the management of Jerusalem’s holy sites will be maintained and respected.
Kostanyan announced that endangered elements of Palestinian cultural heritage will be temporarily housed in Armenia’s Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts.
“As a consistent supporter of the two-state solution, Armenia recognized the State of Palestine in June 2024 and subsequently established diplomatic relations during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. In this context, we welcome the recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Palestine's recognition, and the United Kingdom’s intention to do the same.
We are especially proud that the Foreign Ministers of France and Palestine met in Armenia as part of the 'Yerevan Dialogue' diplomatic forum, paving the way for this historic moment.
Armenia, drawing from its own experience, fully understands the horrors of war. Despite limited resources, we have continually sought to support the needs of the Palestinian people. Based on an agreement between the Armenian Prime Minister and the President of Egypt, we delivered humanitarian aid to Gaza and support the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
I would also like to announce that Armenia and Palestine have reached an agreement under which endangered Palestinian cultural artifacts will be temporarily stored at the Matenadaran. Armenia also highlights 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, Armenia attaches special significance to preserving the Christian heritage in the Holy Land. We are hopeful that the historical status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites will be preserved and fully respected as a foundation for interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Co-Chair, since the horrific October 7, 2023, attacks marked by unspeakable 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 tragedies is clear,” Kostanyan stated.
He added that military operations must cease, a ceasefire must be established and strengthened to prevent further bloodshed, and all hostages and detainees must be released immediately and unconditionally. Unhindered humanitarian aid must also be ensured.
“Most importantly, negotiations based on the two-state solution must be viewed as the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Let me conclude by once again thanking France and Saudi Arabia for co-chairing this important forum and reaffirming Armenia’s strong commitment to promoting enduring peace and well-being in the region,” the deputy minister concluded.
On the sidelines of the ministerial conference in New York dedicated to the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan met with Palestine’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian.
They reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and exchanged ideas on potential joint initiatives. The participation of Palestinian diplomats in Armenia’s diplomatic training programs was noted with satisfaction.
