President Abbas to lay foundation stone for Palestinian Embassy in India

Sunday October 05, 2008 10:56 by IMEMC Staff & Agencies

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will leave for India on a four-day visit on Monday, during which he will meet with Indian President Prathiba Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas

During his visit, Abbas will also lay the foundation stone of the Chancery-cum-Residence complex of the Embassy of Palestine, being built as a gift of the government and people of India in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri."India has been a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian cause and has always stood by us in the hour of need. The visit will re-affirm our historical ties," a spokesman to told the India Today magazine.India supported Abbas by recognizing him and the government he appointed as legitimate following Hamas' forcefull take over of control over the Gaza Strip in June 2006.The President will also meet Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani and hold discussions with Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed during his trip.The Palestinian leader is expected to apprise Singh and other Indian leaders about the latest situation in West Asia and his talks with Israeli leaders recently.He will also discuss how to further strengthen contacts between India and Palestine."India has offered us help in various fields and is likely to take up projects in Palestinian areas, which could have a very positive impact on the lives of ordinary Palestinians," officials at the Palestinian Presidency said. "It also sponsors studies of several Palestinian students in its country, especially technical education, which has helped improve their lot," they said.The growing Indo-Israel ties also don’t perturb Palestinian officials who view New Delhi as a "true friend" that has never hesitated to stand up for the Palestinian cause whenever required."India's unwavering support for our cause at UN forums speaks for itself," an official said.

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