President of India likely to visit Israel, Palestine in October

[Hindustani78]

President Pranab Mukherjee with the Indian community at a reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Jordan in Amman on Saturday. The President said Indians have always been welcomed and made comfortable in the Kingdom

Pranab hails ties with Jordan; urges increased bilateral investment    - The Hindu
Updated: October 11, 2015 18:07 IST


Thanks King Abdullah II for the Kingdom's help in evacuating Indian citizens from conflict-hit countries in West Asia.
President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday hailed India’s relationship with Jordan, and thanked the King Abdullah II for his “great humanitarian” policies as well as the help the Kingdom offered to India for evacuating its citizens from the conflict-hit countries in West Asia.

Addressing a gathering of the Indian community in Jordan here, the President said Indians have always been welcomed and made comfortable in the Kingdom. Indians from different walks of life, from businessmen to nuns, were present at the event.

Productive discussion

Earlier in the day, Mr. Mukherjee met King Abdullah at his palace and held bilateral talks. “I had a very good productive discussion with the King,” said the President at the event.

“I recall this opportunity to thank the assistance offered to Indians by His Majesty’s government in Iraq in early 1990s, and again in 2014,” he said.

Mr. Mukherjee emphasised the importance of trade and cooperation between India and Jordan. Bilateral trade now stands at $2 billion. Unlike other major West Asian countries, most of India’s trade with Jordan is made up by non-oil products.

Call to investors

The President urged Indian investors to consider the avenues of opportunity provided by Jordan. Indian companies can look into pharmaceuticals and information technology, among other areas, he said.

Earlier in the day, India’s Ambassador to Amman Anil Trigunayat told the accompanying media delegation that more and more Indian companies are now showing interest in setting up business in Jordan. “A delegation from the Tata group is coming here. The Mahindras have also shown interest,” he said.

Manu, a local businessman who hails from Kerala, said the government was largely friendly to Indians. “The number of labourers is very few in Jordan compared to other West Asian nations. Still, they are treated well, and the business community is respected,” he told The Hindu.

Refugee situation

Mr. Mukherjee also took note of the disastrous refugee situation in the region. According to Amnesty International, nearly 4 million Syrians were displaced by the ongoing civil war in Jordan’s neighbouring country. Most of these refugees are in Syria’s neighbourhood.

“I appreciate His Majesty’s great humanitarian assistance for the Syrian refugees,” Mr. Mukherjee said. Jordan has accepted nearly 1.4 million Syrian refugees.

The President emphasised the importance of harmonious co-existence of different communities, and thanked the King for his “tireless efforts to inculcate tolerance” among the people.

 

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President Pranab Mukherjee watering an olive tree at the Al Hussein Peace Park in Amman in Jordan on Sunday.

President Pranab Mukherjee's six-day tri-nation tour — Day 2 - The Hindu
India backs Russian military involvement in Syria, but calls for a long-term political solution.
India’s traditional support for the Palestinian cause remains “steadfast and unwavering,” and the country is ready to “work with all like-minded nations” for amicably solving the Israel-Palestinian conflict, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Sunday.

Addressing students and academics at the Jordan University here, on the second day of his six-day tri-nation tour to West Asia, President Mukherjee sought to ease concerns among the Arab nations about India’s growing ties with Israel.

“Our bilateral relations with Israel are independent of our relations with Palestine. India supports a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognised borders,” the President told an applauding audience, mostly students from one of the leading educational institutions in the Arab world.

In July, New Delhi, for the first time, abstained from voting on a resolution on Palestine adopted at the U.N. Human Rights Council that called for accountability by parties involved in last year’s conflict in Gaza, raising questions whether the Narendra Modi government was deviating from the country’s traditional Palestine policy even as it pursues stronger ties with Israel.

But the President has re-emphasised the “proactive role” India has played in garnering support for the Palestinian cause in all multinational forums.

Mr. Mukherjee’s comments come at a time when tension is rising between Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank. Over the past few days, a number of Palestinians have been shot down by Israeli security forces after a wave of knife attacks against soldiers. Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza strip, has called for a third intifada — popular upsurge — against the Israeli occupation.

Mr. Mukherjee said India was happy to provide budgetary, economic and developmental assistance to Palestine. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Mr. Mukherjee said: “Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English and France belongs to the French.”

Syrian crisis
Earlier in the day, Mr. Mukherjee met with the Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour and Deputy Prime Minister Nasser Judeh on regional and bilateral issues, where both nations called for a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

“Both India and Jordan have emphasised that the Geneva I peace process is the way forward. There has to be talks by all sides, including the government of President Bashar al Assad, and its opponents, and backed by international backers to find a transitional mechanism,” Anil Wadhwa, Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters here after high-level meetings.

“There’s no military solution to the Syrian crisis. The long-term solution should be political,” Mr. Wadhwa said. He said “no” to a question whether this would mean India is opposed to Russia’s military intervention in Syria. “The Indian position is that Russian military involvement in Syria is to halt the advances of the Islamic State. But what came up for discussion today is the long-term solution to the Syrian crisis. That’s the Geneva talks”

The Geneva communique issued on June 30, 2012 calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body in Syria with full executive powers that could include members of the government and opposition, and should be formed on the basis of mutual consent.

Six MoUs signed
India and Jordan have also signed six memorandums of understanding on areas such as maritime transport and communication. Besides, Indo-Jordanian universities have signed 10 MoUs to strengthen cooperation in the realm of education and research.

The President will go to Ramallah on Monday where he will meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

 

[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister of Jordan, Dr. Abdullah Ensour in a restricted meeting, in Amman, Jordan on October 11, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister of Jordan, Dr. Abdullah Ensour at the delegation level talks, in Amman, Jordan on October 11, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee Planting of an Olive Tree at Al Hussein Peace Park, in Amman, Jordan on October 11, 2015.

The University of Jordan conferring Honorary Doctorate in Political Science on the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, in Amman, Jordan on October 11, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee unveiling the plaque to inaugurate the Mahatma Gandhi Street, in Amman, Jordan on October 11, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee meeting with the President of Senate, Dr. Abdur-Raúf Rawabdeh and Members of the Foreign Relations Committee at Parliament Building, in Amman, Jordan on October 11, 2015.

 

[Hindustani78]

Pranab Mukherjee's Palestine, Israel visit - The Hindu

Updated: October 12, 2015 15:24 IST
President Pranab Mukherjee arrived here today for an overnight visit, the first by an Indian Head of State to Palestine, which comes amidst heightened tension between Israel and Palestine in recent weeks which has led to heavy casualties.

Mr. Mukherjee flew in from Amman to Israel’s Ben-Gurion airport in Tel Aviv and drove down to the Palestinian Authority (PA) territory where he has a packed programme before returning to Israel tomorrow for a three-day visit.

Reflecting the complicated situation, the President and his entourage drove from the Ben-Gurion airport to the Bitunia checkpoint which divides Israel from the Palestinian territory. At the checkpoint the President and members of his delegation had to change from Israeli vehicles to those arranged on the Palestinian side.

He was received at the checkpoint by Palestinian Education Minister, Sabri Saidan.

 

[Hindustani78]

Pranab's Israel, Palestine visit to stress on peace
AMMAN, Oct 12, 2015, DHNS:

When Pranab Mukherjee sets his foot in Ramallah on Monday, he will be creating history as it will be the first time that an Indian President will be visiting this troubled state.
During his 24-hour stay in Palestine before he heads to Israel on Tuesday, he will be hosted by President Mahmoud Abbas, who has already visited India four times since 2005.

Unwavering support
Mukherjee told a gathering of students in University of Jordan that India’s traditional support to the Palestinian causes “remains steadfast and unwavering” while pursuing strong relations with Israel. “Our bilateral relations with Israel are independent of our relations with Palestine,” he said adding India desires to see Palestine living side by side at peace with Israel.

He also borrowed Mahatma Gandhi’s words to say “Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English and France to the French,” which was also quoted by Queen Noor in her book “Leap of Faith”.

India may be one of the first non-Arab countries to raise its voice against the partition of Palestine and always supported its cause but when it comes to high-level visits, its record has not that great.

 

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Road in Ramallah named after India as Prez visits Palestine | Zee News

Last Updated: Monday, October 12, 2015 - 20:20
Ramallah: An important road and a roundabout here have been named after India, coinciding with the tour of President Pranab Mukherjee, the first Indian head of state to visit Palestine.

The Sharia-e-Al-hind (India road) and Midan-e-Al-hind (India roundabout) in Ramallah were named at a ceremony attended by Mukherjee and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and hundreds of Palestinians.

The new road, which is close to the Mahatma Gandhi Road that houses the Indian mission, was unnamed so far and a Palestinian official said that it was given its name in honour of Mukherjee "whose visit reflects the strong bonding between the two people".

"The visit of the Indian President, the highest official to visit Palestine from New Delhi, is a historic moment and the naming and inauguration gives it a sense of history," an official of the Beitunia municipality, Yazan, said.

A lotus structure mounted on a raised platform at the roundabout was laid with the Indian national flower in mind, he said.

Earlier, Mukherjee laid a wreath on the mausoleum of iconic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Delegation-level talks were also held between the two sides to review bilateral issues.

PTI




First Published: Monday, October 12, 2015 - 20:20

 

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[Uzair Shafiq [Босс]]

Question Can i as a Pakistani visit Palestine?
no shit/trolling.

 

[Hindustani78]

President Pranab Mukherjee six-day tri-nation tour — Pranab Mukherjee at Palestine - The Hindu

Updated: October 12, 2015 21:06 IST
Both countries have also announced five projects worth $17.79 million aimed at capacity building in the Palestinian territories.
President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday held talks with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah where he reiterated India’s economic and political support for the Palestinians, and announced projects for capacity building in Gaza and West Bank.

The President has handed over a cheque of $5 million to the Palestinian government as budgetary support, Anil Wadhwa, Secretary East at the External Affairs Ministry, told the accompanying media delegation after high-level talks.

Both countries have also announced five projects worth $17.79 million aimed at capacity building in the Palestinian territories. The projects include a $12 million techno park, a $4.5 million Palestine Institute for Diplomacy and a $1 million India-Pakistan Centre for Excellence in Gaza.

Mr. Mukherjee arrives in Ramallah at a time when clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces were running high. A number of Palestinians have been shot down by Israeli forces recently after knife attacks against them. On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza strip, which is under the control of the Islamist Hamas, had killed a pregnant Palestinian woman and her three-year old daughter.

Reflecting the complicated security situation, the President and his entourage drove from the Ben-Gurion airport in Tel Aviv to the Bitunia checkpoint which divides Israel from Palestine. The President and members of the delegation had to change from Israeli vehicles to those arranged by Palestine.

During the talks, Mr. Mukherjee has reiterated India’s position that it supports a peaceful solution to the crisis based on negotiations and UN Security Council resolutions. Mr. Wadhwa said India would continue to support resolution on the formation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 border at the UN.

Asked about India’s abstention from a resolution at UNHRC on Palestine earlier this year, Mr. Wadhwa said “it’s a past issue. We have explained our position to Palestine and they understand it”.

On Tuesday, President Mukherjee would address students at the al-Quds university before going to Jerusalem.

 

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'Pranab Mukherjee's Israel visit a historic political milestone' | Zee News

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee's three-day state visit to Israel from Tuesday, the first by an Indian president, marks an historic political milestone and reflects the continued strengthening of bilateral relations, Israel has said.

Mukherjee, visiting at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin, will receive an official reception at the Israeli president's residence, after which the two heads of state will hold a working meeting.

Later, Rivlin will host a state dinner in honor of Mukherjee.

Rivlin said the visit of Mukherjee, "more than being an important milestone in the relationship of the two countries, will serve to deepen the friendship between our states, in the fields of economy, science, medicine, and agriculture".

He said he was looking forward to the Indian president's visit, "which will represent one of the highlights of the relationship between the Israeli and Indian peoples".

Mukherjee's itinerary includes a luncheon with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as meetings with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, and with Opposition chairman Isaac Herzog.

Mukherjee is to deliver an address at a special plenary meeting of the Knesset.

On October 15, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem will confer an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree upon Mukherjee.

The award will be conferred in recognition of his longtime exemplary public service as a leading diplomat and champion of social and financial reform; in tribute to his steadfast commitment to higher education; and in appreciation of his longstanding advocacy of the relationship with the State of Israel, said an official statement from the Israeli embassy here.

IANS

 

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President's Secretariat
13-October, 2015 13:46 IST
India remains unwavering and steadfast in ITS support for the Palestinian cause, says President

President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine hosted yesterday (October 12, 2015) a Banquet in honour of President Pranab Mukherjee in Ramallah.

In his banquet speech, President Mukherjee the President said India attaches great importance to its long standing friendship with Palestine. India's empathy with the Palestinian cause and its friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of our foreign policy. India has always stood beside Palestine. India's policy on Palestine has three core dimensions: solidarity with the Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and, partnership in Palestine's nation and capacity building efforts. The Indian leadership, across the political spectrum, remains unwavering and steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause.

The President said peace and stability in the region is in India's interest. India shares the perception that resolution of the longstanding Palestinian issue will contribute to the peace and stability of the region. India is, therefore, concerned about the stalled peace process. India supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. India would like to see the people of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

The President said India firmly believed that dialogue is the only viable option in the search for a just, durable, comprehensive and peaceful solution of the Palestinian issue. Diplomacy and statesmanship have to prevail over hatred and violence in the search for lasting and durable peace. The President shared his sincere hope of early resumption of the peace process between all relevant parties and prayed that it will soon lead to the amicable resolution of conflict in this region.

The President also congratulated President Mahmoud Abbas on the historic installation of the national flag of Palestine at the United Nations on September 30, 2015 and said India shares Palestine pride and joy on this momentous occasion and also its sense of optimism that this is an important step towards the realization of the dream of the people of Palestine for a separate homeland.

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President's Secretariat
13-October, 2015 13:47 IST
Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in response to President Abbas' remarks at the state Banquet on October 12, 2015 at Ramallah Your Excellency, President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a great privilege to be here on the first State Visit to Palestine by an Indian President.

2. I thank Your Excellency for your gracious words. I deeply appreciate the warm welcome and the generous hospitality accorded to me and my delegation. Your Excellency, the Palestinian leadership have displayed great faith and trust in relations with India. This has been evident during the visits of Your Excellency and late President Yasser Arafat to India.

3. At the very outset allow me to congratulate you on the historic installation of the national flag of Palestine at the United Nations on September 30, 2015. We share your pride and joy on this momentous occasion and also your sense of optimism that this is an important step towards the realization of the dream of the people of Palestine for a separate homeland.

4. Your Excellency, India attaches great importance to its long standing friendship with Palestine. India's empathy with the Palestinian cause and its friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of our foreign policy. India has always stood beside Palestine. India's policy on Palestine has three core dimensions: solidarity with the Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and, partnership in Palestine's nation and capacity building efforts. The Indian leadership , across the political spectrum, remains unwavering and steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause .

5. India is also keen to work with Palestine on the orientation and framework for our future relationship - based on the three pillars of closer political interactions: deeper economic engagement and academic collaboration; and wider cultural contacts and people-to-people exchanges.

6. Your Excellency, peace and stability in the region is in India's interest. We share the perception that resolution of the longstanding Palestinian issue will contribute to the peace and stability of the region. We are, therefore, concerned about the stalled peace process. India supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. We would like to see the people of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

7 We firmly believe that dialogue is the only viable option in the search for a just, durable, comprehensive and peaceful solution of the Palestinian issue. Diplomacy and statesmanship have to prevail over hatred and violence in the search for lasting and durable peace.

8. I would like to share my sincere hope of early resumption of the peace process between all relevant parties and pray that it will soon lead to the amicable resolution of conflict in this region.

9. Excellency, I am confident that the discussions we have had during my visit will lead to fruitful engagement and meaningful outcomes in all areas of our mutual interest.

10. In order to continue the tradition of friendly consultations between us, I would like to invite Your Excellency to visit India at a mutually convenient time. It would be an honour to receive you in New Delhi.

11. With these words, Excellency, I thank you once again for your gracious hospitality and wish you every success in your endeavours for peace and progress in Palestine.

12. I would also like to convey through you, the warm greetings of the people of India to their brothers and sisters in Palestine and our sincere wishes for their all round advancement, happiness and prosperity in the days to come .

Thank you!

****

 

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President's Secretariat
13-October, 2015 16:16 IST
Al-Quds University confers Honorary Doctorate on President India's Solidarity with the Palestinian people and its principled support to the Palestinian cause is rooted in our own freedom struggle, says President
Al-Quds University conferred Honorary Doctorate on President Pranab Mukherjee today (October 13, 2015) at a ceremony held in Ramallah.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said India's solidarity with the Palestinian people and its principled support to the Palestinian cause is rooted in our own freedom struggle. India has always been at the forefront in promoting the Palestinian cause – India voted against the partition of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in 1947. We recognized the PLO as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974; India was the first non-Arab country to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. We spearheaded the campaign for recognition of Palestinian statehood by the UN in 2012. India supported the successful resolution for flying the Palestinian flag at the UN Headquarters last month. India had co-sponsored a draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UN General Assembly. India then voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution in October 2003 against construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard. India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO.

The President said the strong foundations and India-Palestine’s shared belief in peace, prosperity and development for the people of Palestine propel India to do more. One of the aims of his visit to Palestine is to suggest a framework for the future of relationship between India and Palestine. While India continues to follow its traditional policy on Palestine, it sees that the framework of partnership can be reinforced through three principal pillars -closer political interaction; deeper economic engagement and academic collaboration and wider cultural contacts and people-to-people exchanges.

On the occasion, the President announced the setting up of an India-Chair in the Al Quds University. He said India has always been happy to partner Palestine in promoting education. Over the years, around 12,000 Palestinian students have graduated from Indian Universities, many of them on scholarships offered by the Government of India. Today, these students serve as a bridge between our two countries.

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Protest against ties with Israel mark President's visit | Zee News

East Jerusalem: Angry Palestinian students on Tuesday protested against India's growing friendship with Israel at a university campus here on Tuesday even as President Pranab Mukherjee was being conferred an honorary degree.

Hundreds of students shouted slogans and carried placards critical of India's ties with the Jewish state while Mukherjee was being honoured by Al-Quds university at Abu Dis and hailed as a "Knight of Peace".

Placards with slogans "India why do you cooperate with the occupiers (Israel)", "Indian President raise your voice against Israel's aggression", and "Indian President don't keep quiet against the butchers slaying Palestinians" were carried by the students as Mukherjee was leaving the campus here in East Jerusalem.

The demonstration came in the middle of heightened tensions and more killings between Israelis and Palestinians which have resulted in hundreds of casualties, including some today.

Inside the university auditorium, where Palestine Prime Minister Dr Rami Hamadallah was among those present, Mukherjee was hailed as "a Knight of Peace" and loudly cheered when he mentioned all the help rendered by India to the Palestinians.

In his acceptance speech at the university, the President said peace and stability in the Middle East region is in India's interest and proposed a three-pillar framework to propel its "historic" ties with Palestine besides building a second Information Technology (IT) centre in Gaza.

PTI
The Al-Quds University conferred Honorary Doctorate on the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee by the Prime Minister of Palestine, Mr. Rami Hamdallah, at Ramallah, in Palestine on October 13, 2015.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurating the India Palestine Centre for Excellence in ICT, at Al-Quds University, Abu Dees, in Palestine on October 13, 2015.

President Pranab Mukherjee arrives on a "milestone" visit to Israel | Zee News

Jerusalem: Marking a "political milestone" in the growing relationship between India and Israel, President Pranab Mukherjee arrived here on Tuesday on a 3-day state visit, the first by an Indian Head of State.

Crossing over from Palestine after an overnight visit there, the Indian leader arrived in Israel where he has a packed schedule including an address tomorrow to Israel's Parliament, Knesset, a rare honor for a visiting dignitary.

A banquet by President Reuven Rivlin and a lunch with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu besides conferment of an honorary degree by Hebrew University of Jerusalem are among the highlights of Mukherjee's schedule.

Describing Mukherjee's visit as a "historic political milestone", Rivlin told PTI that it reflected the continued strengthening of the relations between the two countries.

The visit would serve to deepen bilateral friendship in economic, scientific, medical, agricultural and other fields, the Israeli President said.

A number of MoUs will be signed with Israel, including

in the areas of renewable energy, double taxation avoidance, culture exchange programme and educational field.

Mukherjee's discussions with the Israeli leadership are expected to cover subjects like terrorism and cooperation in various areas. MoUs in the fields of culture, education, science and technology will be signed.

"Israel has the expertise in dealing with many challenges of the 21st century which includes science, information and technology and counter terrorism and India has manpower," Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Anil Wadhwa had told a media briefing in Delhi last week.

India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992 and since then the relationship has evolved into a multi-dimensional partnership.

India and Israel are engaged in a range of issues of bilateral interest including cooperation in agriculture, science and technology, education and the visit will further cement bonds of cooperation between the two sides and enhance mutual understanding.

PTI

 

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President's Secretariat
14-October, 2015 10:40 IST
Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Indian Community Reception Distinguished Members of the Indian Community,

1. I am happy to be here amidst you in this holy city of Jerusalem. It is a great privilege for me to be the first Indian President to make a State Visit to Israel. I am accompanied by H’ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot and a multi-party delegation of H’ble Members of both Houses of the Indian Parliament. Since we arrived in Israel, we have been deeply touched by the friendship, goodwill and hospitality of the people of Israel.

2. I bring to you the warm greetings of the people of India. Needless to say, we have been looking forward to this occasion. Your community represents a cross section of the Indian people. You are here as students, caregivers, professionals and businessmen; some of you are serving in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force(UNDOF). I wish to particularly recognise the Indian Jewish community in Israel – who continue to cherish India. I would like to make a special mention of Jerusalem’s 800-year old Indian Hospice and pay tribute to Sheikh Nazer Hassan Ansari.

3. Friends, India is very proud of its large diaspora. Indians all over the world are successful not only as dedicated professionals and hard working businessmen, but also as model citizens. They are proud of their contribution to the society in which they choose to live and work; yet they nurture in themselves and their younger generations an enduring “Indian-ness” and an undying love for their motherland. I commend you all.

4. Friends, India has always regarded Israel as a valued partner. In fact, West Asia as a whole and the Gulf have always been a priority for India. Not only do we have ancient and civilisational ties with these lands and peoples, but today, some 7 million Indians live and work here. The countries of this region are India’s vital partners in the energy, hydrocarbon and mineral sectors. We shall continue to pay special attention to them and seek closer cooperation and stronger partnership with them for our mutual benefit.

5. This is a time of great opportunities in India. A unique transformation is taking place. The country is at the threshold of a new era of rapid economic development. Several recent initiatives of Government have already shown results and a positive impact has been created in key sectors. The 'Make in India' campaign to make India an investment and manufacturing destination, the ‘Digital India programme’ to transform India into a digitally empowered society, ‘Smart Cities’, ‘Model Villages’, ‘Swachh Bharat’ and the ‘Clean Ganga mission’ are some of the flagship schemes. In the last year alone, Government of India has succeeded in encouraging our people to open almost 140 million bank accounts under ‘Jan Dhan Yojna’.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

6. In the realm of external relations, I am happy to say that Government has intensified India’s engagement with her neighbours and all friendly countries across the globe. In August, the Forum for India-Pacific Island Co-operation was hosted in Jaipur ; later this month, New Delhi shall host the largest ever gathering, in India, of Heads of State and Government of the African Continent in the 3rd Summit of the India Africa Forum. India is working with like-minded countries in multilateral organisations including the United Nations to play an enhanced role in diverse fora – from the Arctic Council and the Pacific Alliance to the UN Security Council where India has made a legitimate claim to permanent membership. The potential of India now has a stronger resonance. Our circle of friends has expanded. India’s efforts for inclusive economic growth and social advancement have shown the way to many developing countries.

7. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise the potential of India-Israel collaboration in Science and Technology. Our future partnership must prioritise co-operation in innovation and research. Eminent Vice Chancellors of premier Indian Universities have accompanied me on this visit. Their Universities look forward to close exchanges with Israeli Universities. I am confident that our hard working students will do India proud in Israel.

Friends,

8. I see among you many members of the Indian Jewish community. You have distinguished yourselves through your achievements – both in India and in Israel. In Mumbai you have contributed leaders in business, education and the literary field. In Kolkata, the Magen David Synagogue and the Jewish Girl's School are historic landmarks. I recall that in 1968, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had attended the 400th anniversary of the synagogue and released a commemorative stamp. I understand that all the four Jewish communities in Israel have come together to host a National Convention of Indian Jews in Israel. I compliment you on this initiative and wish you success.

9. Before concluding, I would like to thank the friendly people of Israel for making the Indian community here feel welcome and valued. We are two countries with ancient civilisations, much like the two branches of a bountiful tree. India looks forward to strengthening the friendship and co-operation between our peoples in the years to come.

10. With these words, I thank the Ambassador of India for hosting this reception and thank you all for being here. To each one of you, I extend my best wishes for your well being, progress and many proud achievements.

God Bless you all. Jai Hind.

***

President's Secretaria
t14-October, 2015 10:41 IST
Israel a valued partner, says President

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended a reception hosted by ShriJaideep Sarkar,Ambassador of India to Israel for Indian nationals and Israeli nationals of Indian origin in Jerusalem yesterday(October 13, 2015).

Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the people of Israel for making the Indian community there feel welcome and valued. He said India and Israel are two countries with ancient civilisations, much like the two branches of a bountiful tree. India looks forward to strengthening the friendship and co-operation between our peoples in the years to come.

The President said India has always regarded Israel as a valued partner. In fact, West Asia as a whole and the Gulf have always been a priority for India. The countries of this region are India’s vital partners in the energy, hydrocarbon and mineral sectors. We shall continue to pay special attention to them and seek closer cooperation and stronger partnership with them for our mutual benefit.

The President said members of the Indian Jewish community have distinguished themselves through their achievements – both in India and in Israel. In Mumbai they have contributed leaders in business, education and the literary field. In Kolkata, the Magen David Synagogue and the Jewish Girl's School are historic landmarks.

***


President's Secretariat
14-October, 2015 14:24 IST
India looks forward to enhancing close co-operation with Israel, says President

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said India looks forward to enhancing its close co-operation with Israel for the progress of our respective peoples and peace in this part of the world. The President said it in his opening remarks to the press and the delegation made immediately after the ceremonial reception in his honour today (October 14, 2015) in Jerusalem, Israel.

The President said India attaches high importance to its relationship with Israel. Relations between India and Israel have taken great strides in the last few years. We are cooperating and collaborating in a range of areas from defence and agriculture to science, research and innovation. We are also discovering and identifying new areas of complementarities where there is significant potential to be realized. There are tremendous opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration. As two leading knowledge economies of Asia and the world, India and Israel have many strengths and much to learn from each other’s experiences.

The President said the he will discuss the many global challenges that India and Israel face today - including the growing menace of terrorism and extremism, common concerns about climate change and the urgent need for reform of global governance architecture with Israeli leadership during his visit. The President said India is distressed at the recent violence. India condemns all forms of terrorism. We have always advocated a peaceful resolution of all disputes. He will seek the assessment of the Israeli leadership about the recent developments in this region which have caused concern all over the world and have direct implications for India.

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The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee being received by the Minister for Agriculture of Israel, Mr. Uri Ariel and other dignitaries, on his arrival at Ben Gurion International airport, in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 13, 2015.

President Pranab Mukherjee during the laying wreath at tomb of Theodor Herzl at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, in Israel on Tuesday.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid wreath at the tomb of Theodor Herzl, at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, in Israel on October 13, 2015.