RAMALLAH, Feb 10, 2018 (WAFA) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi starts on Saturday an historic and the first official visit for an Indian premier to the State of Palestine during which he will meet President Mahmoud Abbas and senior Palestinian officials.

President Mahmoud Abbas and his guest, the Prime Minister of India, are expected to hold important talks, which will focus on the latest developments in the political process in the region due to India’s international weight.

The meeting will also discuss means of enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as discussing the regional and international situations of common concern.

The Palestinian presidency affirmed that the visit would also be an opportunity to thank India for its continued support for peace and the right of the Palestinian people to freedom and independence.

The two parties will also sign a number of bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening the bonds of friendship between the Palestinian and Indian peoples and enhancing cooperation in a number of important areas.

President Abbas will hold a luncheon in honor of his guest and the Indian delegation, followed by a press conference for the two leaders.

Relations between the two peoples and the Palestinian and Indian leaderships are deep and rooted and go back to the 1960s. India recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) early and then the State of Palestine in the early 1980s. India was also one of the main pillars that supported Palestinian national struggle in the Non-Aligned Movement and in international forums and organizations.

The Palestinian leadership has always sought to build bridges and deepen relations with various Indian forces and parties without exception because of India’s global political, economic and cultural status.

The visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Palestine is a distinguished addition to the consolidation of bonds of friendship between the two leaderships and the two countries and peoples.

M.K.