'Historic visit', tweets PM Modi in Palestine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Ramallah on the first leg of his three-nation tour.

Soon after his arrival, the prime minister tweeted that the "historic visit" would improve bilateral ties between the two countries.

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PM Modi was escorted by Royal Jordanian choppers by the King and Israeli choppers on his way to Palestine.

Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conferred him with the Grand Collar of the state of Palestine.The commendation of the Grand Collar read, "In recognition of his wise leadership, lofty national and international stature, in appreciation of his efforts to promote historic relations between Palestine and India; in acknowledgement of his support to our people's right to freedom so peace prevails in region."

Modi and Abbas had discussions, signed six memorandum of understanding (MOUs), and held a joint press conference. They will have lunch before Modi leaves for Amman in a chopper.

While welcoming PM Modi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Indian leadership 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," said President Mahmoud Abbas.

Modi was received by President Abbas before the ceremonial welcome at the Muqata'a.

Modi began his engagement by laying a wreath at the Mausoleum of iconic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. He was accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah.

He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at Al-Muqata'a, compound of the presidential headquarters in Ramallah.

After paying homage to Arafat, the prime minister will take a short tour accompanied by Hamdallah of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum.

During his maiden visit to Israel last year, Modi did not travel to Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government. His standalone visit to Israel had led to many analysts questioning the future of the Indo-Palestine ties.

This time Modi skipped Israel in a clear message that India is de-hyphenating its ties with Israel and Palestine.

Prime Minister Modi and President Abbas discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations as well as discuss the regional and international situations of common concern.

"We will discuss the recent updates with Prime Minister Modi, and the recent developments in the peace process, the bilateral relations, and the regional situations. And the possible role India can play in enhancing peace in the region, as well as discussing different economical aspects beyond the existing ties we already possess," Abbas had said.

Describing India as a "very respected country in the international arena", the 82-year-old Palestinian President had said that India can have a possible role in creating a multilateral forum of negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis to reach a final agreement.

According to Abbas, Modi's visit to the region reflects India's long-held position of supporting peace and stability in the region.

Modi's visit to Palestine comes amid heightened tensions in the region after US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The unilateral US decision to declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was challenged at the UN General Assembly where 128 nations, including India, voted to turn down the move as "null and void".

Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem as Israel's capital angered the Palestinians, sparked protests in the Middle East and raised concern that it could further destabilise the region.

Though India has shied away from becoming a party in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the Palestinian leader on several occasions has stressed on a possible role for New Delhi in the Middle East peace process.

India believes in a two-state solution in which both Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist peacefully.

The two-state solution envisions independent Israeli and Palestinian states coexisting side by side peacefully. The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as their future capital.