Armenia said Friday it is officially recognizing a Palestinian state, the latest country to do so despite criticism from Israel.
"Confirming its commitment to international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of peoples, the Republic of Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine," Armenia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
In response, Israel's Foreign Ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador for a "harsh reprimand conversation," according to a ministry spokesperson.
In recognizing a Palestinian state, Armenia joins approximately three-quarters of the 193 United Nations member states that have already done so.
Armenia has previously joined U.N. General Assembly resolutions that have called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, and the Foreign Ministry said in its statement Friday that a two-state solution is the only way that peace can be reached.
The Palestinian Authority, which has limited rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said in a statement it supported Armenia's recognition of a Palestinian state.
"This recognition contributes positively to preserving the two-state solution, which faces systematic challenges, and promotes security, peace and stability for all parties involved," it said.
Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized a Palestinian state last month, prompting Israel to pull its ambassadors from each country. Since then, Slovenia and the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda have followed suit.
Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
