Palestinian President meets Pratibha Patil

New Delhi, Oct 8 : Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil here last evening.

Abbas also met Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani.

Earlier, Abbas and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 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 from the people of India.

Dr. Singh also pledged 20 million US dollars to Palestine authority for budgetary support as well as for various development projects.

The gift is seen by some as a balancing exercise in view of its India's growing relations with Israel.

President Abbas is expected to visit Agra and leave New Delhi for Colombo on Thursday.

ANI