Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Israel and Palestine to find comprehensive resolution to the long-standing territorial dispute between them.

“We agreed that the challenges in West Asia must be addressed through sustained political dialogue and peaceful means. India hopes for early resumption of talks between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive resolution. At the bilateral level, India is committed to be a useful development partner of Palestine,” Modi said here on Tuesday after his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

These remarks by Modi come at a time when he is planning a visit to Israel in July. He will be the first Prime Minister to go to Israel as both nations celebrate 25 years of diplomatic ties.

Economic push Modi also said that both India and Palestine will work toward developing its economy and usher in improve lives for the people there. “President Abbas and I agreed that both sides, through practical cooperation, will work together to build Palestine’s economy and contribute to improving the lives of its people. We will continue to support the development and capacity-building efforts of Palestine,” he said.

President Abbas said India is their “dost” (friend) and briefed Modi about his meetings with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putting and the German leadership.

“We condemn terror in all forms and its manifestation. India is great nation and can play major role in the development of Palestine. India is in the forefront in the reconstruction of Palestine,” Abbas said. Modi also said India will mainly focus on building the IT infrastructure there along with youth and skills development.

“India is undertaking project assistance for a flagship tech-park project in Ramallah. Once completed, it will serve as an IT hub in Palestine offering a one-stop solution for all IT-related training and services,” Modi added.

MoUs signed Both sides also signed five memorandums of understanding. Some of the significant ones are on visa exemption on diplomatic and official passports, IT and electronics and agricultural cooperation among others.

Abbas, who is one four-day visit here till May 17, is visiting India for the fifth time.

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