August 24, 2011

1. Dr. Nabeel Shaath, former Foreign Minister of Palestine, is on a visit to India from 23-25 August 2011 as Special Envoy of the Palestine National Authority President H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas.

2. Dr. Nabeel Shaath called on External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna and also met Minister of State for External Affairs Shri E. Ahamed. He handed over messages from PNA President addressed to Hon'ble President and Hon'ble Prime Minister. He sought India's support for the Palestinian cause especially during the forthcoming UN session. Recalling his frequent visits to India when he was Palestine's Foreign Minister, the Special Envoy was very appreciative of India's traditional and long standing support to the Palestinian cause. He also expressed deep appreciation for India's continued support to the Palestinians. India was the first non-Arab state to recognize the state of Palestine in 1988, pursuant to Algiers declaration for a Palestinian State in 1988.

3. EAM reiterated India's strong and unwavering support to the Palestinian cause and assured that India shall continue to adhere to its principled stand on Palestine