'Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to meet PM'

{image-Mahmoud Abbas_07102008.jpg news.oneindia.in}New Delhi, Oct 7: Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here on Tuesday, Oct 7.

Abbas is likely to discuss the issues related to West Asia peace process during his meeting. He will also discuss how to further strengthen contacts between India and Palestine. The Palestinian leader is also expected to apprise Dr. Singh about the latest developments in the region. Before the talks, Abbas will be accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Besides, Abbas will also lay the foundation stone of the Chancery-cum-Residence complex of the Embassy of Palestine, being built as a gift of the government and people of India in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri in New Delhi.

President Abbas is scheduled to meet President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition L K Advani and other leaders. President Patil will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.

On Wednesday, Oct 8 President Abbas will visit Agra and leave New Delhi for Colombo on Thursday, Oct 9. Abbas' visit, his second to India since becoming President, is seen as an opportunity by India to demonstrate that it remains committed to the Palestinian cause despite its growing relationship with Israel.

ANI