New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to commence his three-nation tour to the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Palestine on Friday. The visit shall also mark India's first ever Prime Ministerial visit to Palestine.
Ahead of his visit, the Prime Minister on Thursday said that the Gulf and West Asia region is a key priority for India's foreign policy.
"I will be undertaking bilateral visits to Palestine, United Arab Emirates and Oman from February 9 to 12," Modi said in a pre-departure statement.
"I am happy to visit the Gulf and West Asian region for the fifth time since 2015. This region is a key priority in our external engagement," he said, adding India enjoys "vibrant multi-dimensional ties" with its countries.
According to authorities and business leaders, this visit of the Prime Minister signifies the special importance that India attaches to its ties with the oil-rich nation and will help in furthering cooperation in diplomatic, economic and security issues.
On Friday, Modi will leave for Amman from where he will transit to Ramallah on Saturday in what will be the first ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Palestine.
"I am grateful to His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit," he said. "I look forward to meeting him in Amman on February 9.
