Armenia recognises Palestine as "independent state"

Armenia's foreign ministry announced on Friday that the country has officially recognised Palestine as an "independent state".

“Confirming its commitment to international law, equality of nations, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine,” a statement issued by Armenia read.

Armenia further said that it is “genuinely interested in establishing long-term peace and stability in the Middle-East.”

“Armenia deplores using civilian infrastructure as shields during armed conflicts and violence toward civilian populations,” the ministry added.

Reacting to the development, a senior official from the Palestinian Authority, Hussein Al-Sheikh, said that this is a "victory for right, justice, legitimacy and the struggle of Palestinian people for liberation and independence."

“Thank you our friend Armenia,” he said in a post.

Earlier in May, Spain, Norway and Ireland announced their recognition of the war-torn region.