Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening, after a successful day-out in Palestine. The visit is part of his mission 'Arab outreach' soon after hosting his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Palestine President Mahmood Abbas conferred the 'Grand Collar of the State of Palestine' on Prime Minister Modi, recognising his key contribution to promote ties between India and Palestine.
During their joint press statement after their bilateral meeting, Abbas said the interaction was a good opportunity to express to Prime Minister Modi "how much respect and how high of a standing you personally have through your wise and creative and brave leadership and in establishing peace and stability foundations in our region and the world".
He added, "In recognition of that, we have had the honour today to decorate you with the highest order of honour in Palestine."
Modi said the honour was a proud moment for India. This was also reflective of the friendship between India and Palestine. He had earlier said, "India and Palestine's relations have stood the test of time. Palestine has always taken a top spot in our foreign policy."
The commendation reads "In recognition of his wise leadership and his lofty national and international stature, and in appreciation of his efforts to promote the historic relations between the State of Palestine and the Republic of India; in acknowledgement of his support to our people's right to independence and freedom so that peace prevails in the region."
The Grand Collar is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries—kings, heads of state/government and persons of similar rank. So far, this award has been conferred to only three personalities, — King Salman of Saudi Arabia, King Hamad of Bahrain and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Archbishop of the Catholic Church Poulos Marcuzzo, and religious leaders of the Al-Aqsa mosque were also at the Muqata'a to greet Modi.
While India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru-an architect of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) had visited Gaza, but Modi became the first South Asian leader conducting official visits to two rival capitals—Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
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