In a first-ever visit by head of Indian State, President Pranab Mukherjee will tour Jordan, Palestine and Israel this weekend. The tour, that will be from October 10 to 15, will see signing of several pacts with these countries besides educational tie-ups. But more importantly, India will use the opportunity to seek Jordan’s help in the release of 39 Indians held hostage in Mosul (Iraq) by Islamic terrorist group, ISIS.
Mukherjee’s visit begins from Jordan where he will be from October 10 to October 12. He will travel to Palestine on October 12 and will be in Israel from October 13 to 15. During his visit to two rival nations — Palestine and Israel — Mukherjee will appeal these countries to reduce tensions. “We closely follow developments in Israel and Palestine and we would like tension to come down from both sides as it is in their as well as our interest. We will advise them to solve issues through bilateral means and not to escalate the conflict”, said Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
In Israel, President will address its Parliament Knesset, which is a rare honour for any visiting leader. “Many Heads of State of other countries may have visited Israel in the past but not many have had the honour of addressing the Knesset,” Wadhwa said. Mukherjee will also hold talks with his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin and meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Speaker of the Knesset Yuli-Yoel Edelstein.
The talks between the two sides are going to range from terrorism to information sharing, technology exchange and cooperation in various areas including defence. President will witness signing of MoUs in the area of culture, education, science-technology, Double Taxation Avoidance and renewable energy. “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 the manpower,” said Wadhwa.
On Palestine, Wadhwa said: “India remains steadfast in its principled support to the Palestinian cause and India has always favoured a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and a united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital living with recognised and secured borders side by side with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet roadmap.” He added that this visit will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and renew the strong and unwavering commitment of India towards the Palestinian cause.
India extends bilateral and multilateral support to Palestine in addition to developmental and budgetary assistance. President will have interactions with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and leaders of political parties. He will also address the Al Quds University where he will be conferred an honorary doctorate, and later inaugurate Jawaharlal Nehru Boys Secondary School at Abu Dees in East Jerusalem.
In Jordan President will meet King Abdullah, Prime Minister and Deputy PM. Mukherjee will be the first Indian President to travel Jordan in the last 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He will also address students and faculty of University of Jordan and have interaction with Indian community and Friends of India.
Six Members of Parliament, Union minister for Social Justice Thawarchand Gehlot, V-Cs of Jamia Milia University, JNU and Directors of IIT-Kharagpur, and Delhi University will accompany President.