President Mukherjee returns from successful 3-Nation tour

President Pranab Mukherjee returned today from his successful three nation visit of Jordan, Palestine and Israel. This was the first visit of any Indian President to all three nations.

Onboard the special plane, the President while briefing the Media said that visiting the three nations reflects the importance that India places on enhancing our partnership with the countries of this region.

He said that during his visit he had meetings with the King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour and explored possibilities of opening up new synergies in different areas of mutual interest like counter terrorism, defence, IT, and energy.

King Abdullah II supported India's candidature to permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council and the ongoing UN reform process.

He said that in Palestine he was received with great warmth by President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Dr. Rami Hamadallah.

The President reiterated India's principled support to the Palestine cause and called for negotiating solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with east Jerusalem as the Capital, as endorsed in the quartet roadmap and relevant UNSC resolutions.

He said that he was received by in Israel by President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed need to expand our cooperation in solar energy, dairy development, water management, horticulture, animal husbandry and Agriculture.

He added that in Israel he had expressed distress at the recent incidents of violence and condemned all forms of terrorism and called for peaceful resolution of all disputes. He also said that he was deeply honoured to be invited to address the Knesset and was touched by the enthusiasm he found amongst the members of the Parliament for better relations with India.

He thanked Jordan, Palestine and Israel for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.