New Delhi, Delhi, India

Palestine on Saturday decided to recall its Ambassador to Pakistan, Walid Abu Ali, for sharing the stage with Hafiz Saeed.

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The news was confirmed by Palestinian Ambassador to India Adnan Abu Al Haija. 

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Earlier Government of India had strongly conveyed to the Palestinian side that the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan's association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

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"Government of India has strongly conveyed to the Palestinian side that the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan's association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed, who is prescribed by the United Nations, at an event in Rawalpindi on December 29 is unacceptable," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. 

''The concerns were conveyed both in New Delhi to the Palestinian Ambassador and in Ramallah to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, State of Palestine,'' the release added.

"The Palestinian side has conveyed deep regrets over the incident and assured the Government of India that they are taking serious cognizance of their Ambassador`s presence at this event. They have said they will deal with this matter appropriately." 

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''It was also conveyed that Palestine highly values its relationship with India and stands with us in the war against terrorism, and will not engage with those who commit acts of terror against India.''

"We take note of the assurances given by the Palestine side," the statement added.

Palestine Ambassador to Pakistan Waleed Abu Ali on Friday shared the stage with Jamaat-ud-Dawa terror outfit chief Saeed at a rally organised by Difa-e-Pakistan Council, an umbrella organisation of hardline right-wing groups.

This comes after India joined 127 other countries to vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution opposing the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. 

According to the External Affairs Ministry statement, Palestine has also conveyed that it "highly values its relationship with India and stands with us in the war against terrorism, and will not engage with those who commit acts of terror against India".