Hope Palestine will soon become a free country: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived in Palestine's Ramallah,the headquarters of the Palestine National Authority, as a part of his three-nation tour.

The Indian PM and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas signed six memoranda of understanding (MOUs) worth USD 50 million thatincludes the setting up of a USD 30 million super speciality hospital in Beit Sahur.

Three agreements in the education sector worth USD 5 million, one MoU for procurement of equipment and machinery for the National Printing Press and one for construction of a centre for empowering women were also signed.

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PM Modi said that Palestine had always taken a "top spot in India's foreign policy."

"India and Palestine's relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy," the Indian PM saidat a joint press conference with President Mahmoud Abbas.

PM Modi said India hoped Palestine would become a free country peacefully and only dialogue could result in a solution to its conflict with Israel.

"I have assured President Abbas that India is bound by a promise to take care of Palestinian people's interests. India hopes that soon Palestine will come a free country in a peaceful manner," PM Modi said.

"We hope for peace and stability in Palestine, we believe a permanent solution is possible with dialogue. Only diplomacy and farsightedness can set free from violence and baggage of the past. We know it is not easy but we need to keep trying as a lot is at stake," PM Modi said.

The prime minister said India was aiding the construction of a diplomatic institute in Palestine.

"India is aiding the construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine. I am happy that we are moving forward with our developmental corporation forward during this visit," PM Modi said.

The two countries will double the exchange of students this year, PM Modi said.

"I am happy to announce that we will double the exchange of students from this year taking it from 50 to 100," he said.

PM Modi, who was conferred with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine said it was "a great honour for India and a symbol of Palestine's friendship."

"This is an honour for India and a symbol of Palestine's friendship. I thank you on behalf of all Indians for this," he said.

PM Modi lauded Palestinians for the exemplary courage they had shown during difficult times.

"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," PM Modi said.

Speaking on Palestinian-Israel relations, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said his country was ready to engage in negotiations and relied on India's role as an international force.

"We have said and will say we are ready to engage in negotiations. We rely on India's role as an international force and its role in the non-alignment movement and in the international fora, in a way that is conducive to desired peace in our region," President Abbas said.

The Palestinian president also asserted his country's commitment to political action and negotiations with Israel.

"Here I would like to assert our commitment to political action and negotiations as means of achieving our national goals to freedom and independence in accordance with the two states' relation along the lines of 1967," he said.

President Abbas appreciated that India had "always stood by peace in Palestine."

"It is my honour to welcome you as a great guest, on your first historic visit to Palestine which holds, to you personally and to the people of india, sentiments of love and appreciation. Indian leadership has always stood by peace in Palestine," President Mahmoud Abbas said.

(With inputs from agencies)