HYDARABAD, May 16, 2017 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday said that ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine would assist efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

He said that if Israel ends its occupation started in June 1967, it would pave the way for implementing the Arab Peace Initiative and assist efforts aimed to combat terrorism and extremism in the region and the world in general.

Abbas made these remarks during a press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hyderabad.

He reiterated the Palestinian commitment to the two-state solution that would lead to establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 border, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and harmony.

Abbas commended India’s longstanding policy of supporting the Palestinian cause in international forums since the time of Mahatma Gandhi, affirming that India could play an instrumental role in this regard.

On his part, Modi stated Abbas’ visit to India reflects close Palestinian-Indian relationship on the bases of mutual cooperation and understanding.

He extended his country’s support to the establishment of the independent Palestinian state.

“We hope to see the realization of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel,” he said in a press statement.

The two countries signed five agreements on visa exemptions for diplomas, agricultural cooperation, electronic and information technology cooperation, health and sports and youth.

K.F./M.K.