RAMALLAH, February 10, 2018 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Saturday thanked India for its support for the Palestinian cause, saying the Palestinians count on India to play a role in peacemaking because it is a world power of great stature and weight to contribute to the achievement of a just and desired peace in the region.

In a joint press conference in the presidential headquarters in Ramallah with visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Abbas affirmed the Palestinian leadership’s adherence to political action and negotiations as a way to achieve national goals of freedom and independence based on the two-state solution and United Nations resolutions.

Abbas said, “We have never rejected negotiations; we have been and are still ready for negotiations,” adding that forming a multilateral international mechanism of many countries is the best way to sponsor negotiations.

The Palestinian president praised India’s position in support of the Palestinian people and their just cause, and thanked it for funding a number of important projects which he said, will contribute to the establishment of national institutions.

The president stressed keenness to promote joint cooperation in order to strengthen security relations and fight terrorism wherever it exists.

Modi expressed hope that an independent and sovereign Palestinian state would be established as soon as possible.

“I have assured President Abbas that India is committed to the Palestinian people’s interests,” he said.

“The relations between India and Palestine have stood the test of time,” he said.

The Indian premier noted that his visit will contribute to the development of Palestine in the fields of health and education.

The two parties signed agreements worth $41.35 million to fund multiple projects in Palestine.

The projects included the establishment of a multi-purpose hospital  in Beit Sahour town, east of Bethlehem, in addition to three schools in Jenin, Tubas, and Abu Dis, near occupied Jerusalem, and to equip a printing press in Ramallah with all the necessary equipment.

The fourth agreement was signed to establish a heritage center to empower Palestinian women.

India also supports a tech park and the establishment of a diplomatic training center in Ramallah.

T.R./M.K.