Armenia officially recognises State of Palestine

Armenia has officially recognised the State of Palestine, raising the number of countries that recognise Palestinian statehood to 149 out of the 193 member states of the UN General Assembly.In a statement on Friday, the Armenian Foreign Ministry highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing war as critical issues on the international political agenda that necessitate resolution.'The Republic of Armenia has joined UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,' the statement read.The ministry emphasised Armenia's pursuit of a peaceful and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution as the only way to achieve peace and security.'Based on the above and reaffirming its commitment to international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence among nations, the Republic of Armenia recognises the State of Palestine,' the statement concluded.This recognition follows similar declarations last month by Slovenia, Spain, Norway, and Ireland, further bolstering international support for Palestinian statehood.Qatar welcomed Armenia's recognition of the State of Palestine, and considered it an important step to support the two-state solution and achieve peace and stability in the region.In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that achieving comprehensive and just peace in the region depends on the establishment of an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.The ministry also stressed the need to end the war on the Gaza Strip immediately, and return to the political track as it is the only guarantor of achieving stability in the region.The ministry expressed Qatar's hope that more countries will recognise the State of Palestine and strengthen efforts aimed at implementing the two-state solution.The Palestinian Presidency also welcomed Armenia's decision to officially recognise the State of Palestine as an independent and sovereign nation, describing the decision as courageous and significant towards strengthening bilateral relations and fostering peace and stability in the region.In a statement, the Palestinian Presidency underscored Armenia's keenness to support the Palestinian people and their firm and legitimate rights to their homeland and self-determination, pointing out that the move comes as a good contribution from those countries that believe in the two-state solution as a strategic option that upholds international will and legitimacy.The decision positively contributes to safeguarding the two-state solution, which faces systematic challenges, and promotes security, peace, and stability for all parties involved, the statement read.The Palestinian Presidency urged other nations, particularly European countries that have yet to recognise the State of Palestine, to follow suit, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, based on the 1967 borders, which include Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

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