Her Foreign Ministry of Armenia announced today the recognition of a Palestinian state in order to make progress towards peace in the Middle East, insisting on “the critical situation in Gaza”.

“Reaffirming its faith in international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of peoples, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine,” the ministry said in a statement.

The “Yerevan sincerely wishes to achieve lasting peace” in the region, according to the ministry which also states that it wishes “the immediate implementation of a ceasefire” in the war in Gaza.

Hussein al-Sheikh, the secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee, “welcomed” Yerevan’s decision.

“It is a victory for law, justice, legitimacy and the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation and independence,” he wrote on social media X.

In late May, Spain, Ireland and Norway also formally recognized the state of Palestine to the same end, drawing the ire of Israeli authorities.

The announcement also states that Armenia is in favor of a two-state solution to the conflict between the Palestinians and Israel.