Acceptance speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the conferment of Honorary Doctorate by Al Quds University
Acceptance speech by the
President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the conferment of Honorary
Doctorate by Al Quds University
Acceptance speech by the
President of India, Shri
Pranab Mukherjee at the conferment of Honorary Doctorate by Al Quds University
Hon'ble Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Rami
Hamdallah,
Hon'ble Minister of Education, His Excellency Mr. Sabri
Saidam,
Hon'ble President of the Al-Quds University Mr.
Imad Abu Kishek,
Members of the Faculty and the academic community,
Distinguished guests,
I thank the President of the Al-Quds University for
his generous words. I would like to begin by reciprocating his warm sentiments.
I am touched by the gesture of this prestigious University in conferring upon
me an Honorary Doctorate. I value it as a sign of
friendship and regard of the people of Palestine for the people of India and
for me. I accept this honour with deep humility in my capacity as President of India
and on behalf of its people.
2. I thank the Presidents
and senior representatives of all the universities inPalestine, the Minister of
Education and the H’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Rami Hamdallah and to
convey to them that I am proud to be associated with this premier
institution of higher education.
3. I am aware that this
University has contributed significantly towards the pursuit of academic
excellence. In this, it has been inspired by the vision that only an
educated and enlightened citizenry can safeguard the future of Palestine.
Your pursuit of scientific knowledge and advanced research places this
University at the centre of Palestine's national development programme.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
4. I am in Palestine on
the first ever State Visit by an Indian President. It is therefore a great
privilege for me to have this opportunity of visiting you. My visit
reflects the keen interest of India in further deepening the rich and
historic relationship that we have with Palestine.
5. India's solidarity
with the Palestinian people and its principled support to the Palestinian cause
is rooted in our own freedom struggle. Over the years our approach to Palestine crystallized
into a policy with three core dimensions: solidarity with the
Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and support to Palestine's
nation building and capacity building efforts. The entire Indian political
leadership remains steadfastly committed to these policies.
6. India has
always been at the forefront in promoting the Palestinian cause –India voted
against the partition of Palestine at the United Nations General
Assembly in 1947. We recognized the PLO as the sole and legitimate
representative of the Palestinian people in 1974; India was the first non-Arab
country to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. We spearheaded the
campaign for recognition of Palestinian statehood by the UN in 2012 .
India supported the successful resolution for flying the Palestinian flag
at the UN Headquarters last month. We congratulate the people of Palestine on
the momentous unfurling of their national flag at the United Nations - for the
first time in history - on September 30, 2015.
7. Ladies and Gentlemen, India had
co-sponsored a draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to
self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UN General Assembly. India then
voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution in October 2003 against
construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported
subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard. India voted in
favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO.
8. These strong foundations
and our shared belief in peace, prosperity and development for the people of Palestine propel
us to do more . One of the aims of my visit to Palestine is to
suggest a framework for the future of our relationship. While we continue to
follow our traditional policy on Palestine, we see that the framework of
our partnership can be reinforced through three principal pillars. These are:
First, closer political interaction;
Second, deeper economic engagement and academic
collaboration;
Third, wider cultural contacts and people-to-people exchanges.
9. India shares
the perception that the Palestinian issue is at the center of Arab-Israeli
conflict. Peace and stability in the region is in India's interest. Today
the speed with which an event happening in one place of the world triggers a response
in another, is unprecedented in terms of its impact and scale. Maintaining
regular contacts at all levels is, therefore, important. There are a
number of areas of convergence in our relationship which we may step up further
by intensifying our exchange of information. At the multilateral level,
we have already started the process with the League of Arab States.
10. Ladies and Gentlemen, the
expansion of our economic ties will surely present great new
opportunities. I know that brand India is popular here and inspires
trust. Government of India’s 'Make in India' scheme welcomes all of
you to manufacture in India. India can facilitate
your journey from being consumers to manufacturers. We are confident of
the abundant talent and entrepreneurship of the Palestinian people. Apart from
our bilateral trade in goods, there is vast scope for trade in services. India's
strength in IT and IT-enabled services as well as consultancy can pave the way
for greater engagement in the IT sector. I had the privilege to
inaugurate the India-Palestine Center for Excellence in
ICT today. It will have a satellite centre in Ramallah and forward linkages
with industry.India will build a similar Center in Gaza. We look
forward to the success of the Techno-Park in Ramallah. It will be jointly built
and operated by the Palestine Investment Fund and the Indian public and private
sector.
Friends,
11. India has always been
happy to partner Palestine in promoting education. Over the
years, around 12,000 Palestinian students have graduated from Indian
Universities, many of them on scholarships offered by the Government of India.
Today, these students serve as a bridge between our two countries.
12. It is also a good sign that
scholarships offered by the ICCR are usually utilized in full by Palestine.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that my Government has decided to
increase the number of these scholarships from 10 to 25 per annum.
13. I also take this opportunity to
announce the setting up of an India-Chair in the Al Quds University.
14. Friends, India is proud
to have built the Jawaharlal Nehru Library at the Al Azhar University in Gaza city;
and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College at
Deir Al Balah in Gaza. We are glad to have built the Jawaharlal Nehru Secondary
School for Girls in Asira Al-Shamaliya. Today, I will inaugurate the Jawaharlal Nehru Secondary
School for Boys in Abu Dees. India is also happy to have
equipped seven Vocational Training Centres in Palestine.
15. I have noted with satisfaction the
successful conclusion of the first ever India-Palestine Academic Round Table
this morning. I recognise the contributions made by H’ble Minister of Education
H.E. Mr. Sabri Saidam, Presidents of the different Palestinian Universities and
the representatives of premier Indian universities in making this event a success.
This interaction marks a quantum leap in our academic relations. MoUs signed
today will facilitate our continued engagement and pave the way for joint
R&D and innovation, student and faculty exchanges etc. As Visitor of 114
central institutes of higher learning in India, I am aware of their
enthusiasm for global partnerships.
16. India has long been
committed to the capacity building efforts of Palestineunder the ITEC
scholarship Programme. As of date, 760 Palestinian nationals have availed
training under this scheme. I am happy to announce that the Government of India
has increased the ITEC slots for Palestine from 50 to 100 per annum.
17. We welcome the interest of our
Palestinian friends in Indian culture and, particularly in Yoga. Both our
peoples cherish the fact that our cultural connections go back to our ancient
history. The Indian Hospice located in East Jerusalem bears testimony to this
fact. We look forward to strengthening these ancient linkages.
18. With these words, I once again
thank the Al Quds University for bestowing upon me this honour. I look forward
to your continued friendship and fruitful exchanges with India. The youth
of Palestine are the future leaders of this country. May you
flourish and take your nation to new heights of progress and
prosperity. I wish all of you every success in your academic careers and
a very bright future.
Thank you!
**************
Al-Quds University confers
Honorary Doctorate on President India's Solidarity with the Palestinian people
and its principled support to the Palestinian cause is rooted in our own
freedom struggle, says President
Al-Quds University
conferred Honorary Doctorate on President Pranab Mukherjee today (October 13,
2015) at a ceremony held in Ramallah.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said India's solidarity with the Palestinian people and its principled support to the Palestinian cause is rooted in our own freedom struggle. India has always been at the forefront in promoting the Palestinian cause – India voted against the partition of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in 1947. We recognized the PLO as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974; India was the first non-Arab country to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. We spearheaded the campaign for recognition of Palestinian statehood by the UN in 2012. India supported the successful resolution for flying the Palestinian flag at the UN Headquarters last month. India had co-sponsored a draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UN General Assembly. India then voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution in October 2003 against construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard. India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said India's solidarity with the Palestinian people and its principled support to the Palestinian cause is rooted in our own freedom struggle. India has always been at the forefront in promoting the Palestinian cause – India voted against the partition of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in 1947. We recognized the PLO as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974; India was the first non-Arab country to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. We spearheaded the campaign for recognition of Palestinian statehood by the UN in 2012. India supported the successful resolution for flying the Palestinian flag at the UN Headquarters last month. India had co-sponsored a draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UN General Assembly. India then voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution in October 2003 against construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard. India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO.
The President said the strong foundations and India-Palestine’s shared belief in peace, prosperity and development for the people of Palestine propel India to do more. One of the aims of his visit to Palestine is to suggest a framework for the future of relationship between India and Palestine. While India continues to follow its traditional policy on Palestine, it sees that the framework of partnership can be reinforced through three principal pillars -closer political interaction; deeper economic engagement and academic collaboration and wider cultural contacts and people-to-people exchanges.
On the occasion, the President announced the setting up of an India-Chair in the Al Quds University. He said India has always been happy to partner Palestine in promoting education. Over the years, around 12,000 Palestinian students have graduated from Indian Universities, many of them on scholarships offered by the Government of India. Today, these students serve as a bridge between our two countries.
*************
Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab
Mukherjee in response to President Abbas' remarks at the state Banquet on
October 12, 2015 at Ramallah
Your Excellency, President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of
Palestine,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a great privilege to be here on the first State Visit to Palestine by an Indian President.
2. I thank Your Excellency for your gracious words. I deeply appreciate the warm welcome and the generous hospitality accorded to me and my delegation. Your Excellency, the Palestinian leadership have displayed great faith and trust in relations with India. This has been evident during the visits of Your Excellency and late President Yasser Arafat to India.
3. At the very outset allow me to congratulate you on the historic installation of the national flag of Palestine at the United Nations on September 30, 2015. We share your pride and joy on this momentous occasion and also your sense of optimism that this is an important step towards the realization of the dream of the people of Palestine for a separate homeland.
4. Your Excellency, India attaches great importance to its long standing friendship with Palestine. India's empathy with the Palestinian cause and its friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of our foreign policy. India has always stood beside Palestine. India's policy on Palestine has three core dimensions: solidarity with the Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and, partnership in Palestine's nation and capacity building efforts. The Indian leadership , across the political spectrum, remains unwavering and steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause .
5. India is also keen to work with Palestine on the orientation and framework for our future relationship - based on the three pillars of closer political interactions: deeper economic engagement and academic collaboration; and wider cultural contacts and people-to-people exchanges.
6. Your Excellency, peace and stability in the region is in India's interest. We share the perception that resolution of the longstanding Palestinian issue will contribute to the peace and stability of the region. We are, therefore, concerned about the stalled peace process. India supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. We would like to see the people of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
7 We firmly believe that dialogue is the only viable option in the search for a just, durable, comprehensive and peaceful solution of the Palestinian issue. Diplomacy and statesmanship have to prevail over hatred and violence in the search for lasting and durable peace.
8. I would like to share my sincere hope of early resumption of the peace process between all relevant parties and pray that it will soon lead to the amicable resolution of conflict in this region.
9. Excellency, I am confident that the discussions we have had during my visit will lead to fruitful engagement and meaningful outcomes in all areas of our mutual interest.
10. In order to continue the tradition of friendly consultations between us, I would like to invite Your Excellency to visit India at a mutually convenient time. It would be an honour to receive you in New Delhi.
11. With these words, Excellency, I thank you once again for your gracious hospitality and wish you every success in your endeavours for peace and progress in Palestine.
12. I would also like to convey through you, the warm greetings of the people of India to their brothers and sisters in Palestine and our sincere wishes for their all round advancement, happiness and prosperity in the days to come .
Thank you!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a great privilege to be here on the first State Visit to Palestine by an Indian President.
2. I thank Your Excellency for your gracious words. I deeply appreciate the warm welcome and the generous hospitality accorded to me and my delegation. Your Excellency, the Palestinian leadership have displayed great faith and trust in relations with India. This has been evident during the visits of Your Excellency and late President Yasser Arafat to India.
3. At the very outset allow me to congratulate you on the historic installation of the national flag of Palestine at the United Nations on September 30, 2015. We share your pride and joy on this momentous occasion and also your sense of optimism that this is an important step towards the realization of the dream of the people of Palestine for a separate homeland.
4. Your Excellency, India attaches great importance to its long standing friendship with Palestine. India's empathy with the Palestinian cause and its friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of our foreign policy. India has always stood beside Palestine. India's policy on Palestine has three core dimensions: solidarity with the Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and, partnership in Palestine's nation and capacity building efforts. The Indian leadership , across the political spectrum, remains unwavering and steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause .
5. India is also keen to work with Palestine on the orientation and framework for our future relationship - based on the three pillars of closer political interactions: deeper economic engagement and academic collaboration; and wider cultural contacts and people-to-people exchanges.
6. Your Excellency, peace and stability in the region is in India's interest. We share the perception that resolution of the longstanding Palestinian issue will contribute to the peace and stability of the region. We are, therefore, concerned about the stalled peace process. India supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. We would like to see the people of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
7 We firmly believe that dialogue is the only viable option in the search for a just, durable, comprehensive and peaceful solution of the Palestinian issue. Diplomacy and statesmanship have to prevail over hatred and violence in the search for lasting and durable peace.
8. I would like to share my sincere hope of early resumption of the peace process between all relevant parties and pray that it will soon lead to the amicable resolution of conflict in this region.
9. Excellency, I am confident that the discussions we have had during my visit will lead to fruitful engagement and meaningful outcomes in all areas of our mutual interest.
10. In order to continue the tradition of friendly consultations between us, I would like to invite Your Excellency to visit India at a mutually convenient time. It would be an honour to receive you in New Delhi.
11. With these words, Excellency, I thank you once again for your gracious hospitality and wish you every success in your endeavours for peace and progress in Palestine.
12. I would also like to convey through you, the warm greetings of the people of India to their brothers and sisters in Palestine and our sincere wishes for their all round advancement, happiness and prosperity in the days to come .
Thank you!
************
India remains unwavering and
steadfast in ITS support for the Palestinian cause, says President
President Mahmoud
Abbas of the State of Palestine hosted yesterday (October 12, 2015) a Banquet
in honour of President Pranab Mukherjee in Ramallah.
In his banquet speech, President Mukherjee the President said India attaches great importance to its long standing friendship with Palestine. India's empathy with the Palestinian cause and its friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of our foreign policy. India has always stood beside Palestine. India's policy on Palestine has three core dimensions: solidarity with the Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and, partnership in Palestine's nation and capacity building efforts. The Indian leadership, across the political spectrum, remains unwavering and steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause.
The President said peace and stability in the region is in India's interest. India shares the perception that resolution of the longstanding Palestinian issue will contribute to the peace and stability of the region. India is, therefore, concerned about the stalled peace process. India supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. India would like to see the people of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
The President said India firmly believed that dialogue is the only viable option in the search for a just, durable, comprehensive and peaceful solution of the Palestinian issue. Diplomacy and statesmanship have to prevail over hatred and violence in the search for lasting and durable peace. The President shared his sincere hope of early resumption of the peace process between all relevant parties and prayed that it will soon lead to the amicable resolution of conflict in this region.
The President also congratulated President Mahmoud Abbas on the historic installation of the national flag of Palestine at the United Nations on September 30, 2015 and said India shares Palestine pride and joy on this momentous occasion and also its sense of optimism that this is an important step towards the realization of the dream of the people of Palestine for a separate homeland.
In his banquet speech, President Mukherjee the President said India attaches great importance to its long standing friendship with Palestine. India's empathy with the Palestinian cause and its friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of our foreign policy. India has always stood beside Palestine. India's policy on Palestine has three core dimensions: solidarity with the Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and, partnership in Palestine's nation and capacity building efforts. The Indian leadership, across the political spectrum, remains unwavering and steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause.
The President said peace and stability in the region is in India's interest. India shares the perception that resolution of the longstanding Palestinian issue will contribute to the peace and stability of the region. India is, therefore, concerned about the stalled peace process. India supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. India would like to see the people of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
The President said India firmly believed that dialogue is the only viable option in the search for a just, durable, comprehensive and peaceful solution of the Palestinian issue. Diplomacy and statesmanship have to prevail over hatred and violence in the search for lasting and durable peace. The President shared his sincere hope of early resumption of the peace process between all relevant parties and prayed that it will soon lead to the amicable resolution of conflict in this region.
The President also congratulated President Mahmoud Abbas on the historic installation of the national flag of Palestine at the United Nations on September 30, 2015 and said India shares Palestine pride and joy on this momentous occasion and also its sense of optimism that this is an important step towards the realization of the dream of the people of Palestine for a separate homeland.
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