Creating history, PM Modi reaches Palestine strengthening bilateral cooperation

NewsBharati    10-Feb-2018
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Ramallah, February 10: Starting a short but hugely symbolic visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Palestine. On a day-long visit to Palestine, it is one that is being plugged in as a significant and a historic milestone in the relations between India and Palestine.

 

In Ramallah that serves as the de facto capital of Palestine, PM Modi headed straight to the memorial of former President Yasser Arafat where he laid a wreath. He also took a tour of the Yasser Arafat Museum.

 

"This is a historic visit that will lead to stronger bilateral cooperation," Modi said shortly after landing.

 

Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conferred him with the Grand Collar of the state of Palestine in recognition of Modi’s contribution towards relations between India and Palestine.

 

President Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on him after the conclusion of the bilateral meeting. The Grand Collar is highest order given to foreign dignitaries.

 

Modi has been proactive in reaching out to India’s “extended neighborhood” in the Gulf, where the core of Indian interest lies, but has also engaged extensively with the wider region. Significantly, Modi has de-hyphenated India’s relations with Israel and Palestine through proactive engagement and fine balancing. The visit is scheduled to hold discussions with Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas and reaffirm India’s support for the Palestinian people and the development of Palestine.

PM Modi’s approach is to engage with both Israel and Palestine independently and build India’s relations with both on its own merit.

After Palestine, he will embark to UAE on February 10-11 and will wrap up the tour in Oman on 12th. He is slated to address the 6th edition of the World Government Summit in Dubai, where India is the guest country.