New Delhi: Palestine on Friday expressed condolences over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, describing him as a "wise politician and economist, and a humble human being" whose vast experiences and contributions elevated India’s global stature.
Palestine Embassy in New Delhi
Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Chargé d’affaires of the Palestine Embassy in New Delhi, in a statement said: "India has lost a wise politician and economist and a humble human being who combined copious experiences, where all his valuable contributions added to the balance of India, its global status and its distinguished presence."
DR Singh & Yasser Arafat
Dr. Abu Jazer recalled the historic meeting between Dr. Singh, who was the Union Finance Minister then, and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat during the Palestinian leader's visit to India on January 21, 1992.
Dr Abu Jazer said that after the death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on November 11, 2004, Then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh issued an official statement and condoled the demise of Palestinian leader Arafat, who had distinguished relations with India.
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President Mahmoud Abbas
He also recalled Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's 2005 visit in India.
Dr Singh on Palestinian issue
"Support for the Palestinian cause has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, during our meeting, I reiterated India’s firm support for the struggle of the Palestinian people to achieve a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel," the statement quoted Dr Singh as saying.
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During his 2008 visit, President Mahmoud Abbas had laid the foundation stone of the Chancery-cum-Residence complex of the Embassy of Palestine, being built as a gift of the Government and the people of India in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, according to the statement.
The two leaders laid the foundation stone of the chancery-cum-residence complex of the embassy of Palestine and formally dedicated the building "to the people of Palestine as a gift from the people of India".
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night in New Delhi. He was 92.
