Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Ramallah on a historic visit to Palestine.
First Indian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Palestine, PM Modi flew in a Jordanian army helicopter straight from Amman to Ramallah, where he was received by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah. During the course of the day, India and Palestine issued a joint statement in Ramallah.
At the time of giving his address, President Mahmoud Abbas said it is was an honour to welcome PM Narendra Modi to Palestine and further highlighted that India is one of the first countries to recognise Palestine.
ALSO READ: PM Modi and US Prez Trump discuss security in Indo-Pacific region over phone
During the course of his address, PM Modi said, “People of Palestine have continuously shown exemplary courage in extremely tough times, in spite of the fact that there was an unstable environment. The way you moved forward in such a situation is praiseworthy, we appreciate it”
He further added, “India and Palestine’s relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy.”
Earlier on Friday, in a special recognition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contribution to relations between India and Palestine, President Mahmoud Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on him after the conclusion of the bilateral meeting. The Grand Collar is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries – Kings, Heads of State/Government and persons of similar rank.
On receiving the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, PM Modi said,
“It is an honour for India and a symbol of Palestine’s friendship. I thank you on behalf of all Indians for this.”