Senior BJP leader Vijay Jolly during his visit to Palestine has stressed that the need of the hour is to shun terrorism and engage in constructive and meaningful dialogue for everlasting peace among Palestine and Israel in West Asia.

At an International conference in Ramallah, attended by political leaders and NGOs from 28 nations, Jolly also took the opportunity to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pragmatic approach for global peace, development and crusade against terrorism and corruption.

Jolly, the former Foreign Affairs Convenor of BJP, also recalled that India was the first non-Arab nation in the world to recognise Palestine. On the occasion he recalled that nearly 12,000 Palestinian young boys and girls have so far studied in Indian universities.

‘India has pursued a consistent foreign policy on issue of Palestine despite change of political regimes in India,’ said Jolly.

In recent times President Pranab Mukherjee visited the Palestine in 2015 which was followed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit in January 2016 and this month’s visit by MoS MEA MJ Akbar. An agreement for grant of USD 12 million for IT & Technology Park development in Jerico was also signed.

India Ambassador Anish Rajan hosted a welcome dinner and therefater Jolly also called on Dr Nabeel A Shaath, Member Central Committee-Fateh, Commissioner of International Relations & Former Foreign Minister of Palestine, Hanan Ashrawi, Chairperson-PlO Dept. of Culture & Information amongst others. later the senior BJPleader also paid respctes at the Massoleum of late Yasser Arafat in Ramallah.