Pakistan, June 29 -- Azerbaijan has condemned Israel's decision to recognise the World War I-era killings of Armenians as genocide. Baku warned the move could damage bilateral ties and undermine regional reconciliation efforts. The dispute adds new strain to relations between two close strategic partners.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry described Israel's decision as a matter of "serious concern" and urged the Israeli government to reconsider its position. The ministry said the recognition would deepen existing divisions rather than promote lasting peace and mutual understanding. Israel announced its recognition of the Armenian genocide on Sunday.

Armenia has long sought international recognition of the mass killings carried out under the...