Pranab calls for greater ties with Palestine

 Emphasising that the “entire Indian political leadership” remains “steadfastly committed” to the Palestinian cause, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday called for greater economic ties, saying it will present great opportunities for Palestine.

In an address at Al-Quds University where he was conferred a doctorate before he headed to Israel for his first ever visit, Mukherjee said he was aware that “brand India”is popular here and inspires trust as he welcomed Palestinians to enter the manufacturing sector in India.

“Government of India’s “Make in India” scheme welcomes all of you to manufacture in India. India can facilitate your journey from being consumers to manufacturers. We are confident of the abundant talent and entrepreneurship of the Palestinian people,” he said.

Mukherjee reminded them that there was vast scope for trade in services apart from the bilateral trade. “India’s strength in IT and IT-enabled services as well as consultancy can pave way for greater engagement in the sector,” he said.

The call for enhanced economic cooperation came as the president felt that framework of partnership can be reinforced through closer political interaction, deeper economic engagement and academic collaboration as well as wider cultural contacts and people to people contacts.

Calling for more political interaction, he said an event happening in one part of the world triggers a response in some other place very fast. “Maintaining regular contacts at all levels is therefore important. There are a number of areas of convergence in our relationship which may step up further by intensifying our exchange of information. At the multilateral level we have already started the process with the League of Arab States,” he said.

Pranab said he was here for the first ever state visit by an Indian President. “My visit reflects the keen interest of India in further deepening the rich and historic relationship that we have with Palestine,” he said.

He emphasised India has always been at the forefront in promoting Palestinian cause. Talking about India’s stand on Palestine, he said the shared belief in peace, prosperity and development for people of Palestine propel us to do more.