'Israel looks forward to welcoming PM Modi': President Isaac Herzog

As Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi embarked on his twoday State visit to Israel on Wednesday President Isaac Herzog stated that the people of Israel look forward to welcoming himIn a post on X Herzog stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to IsraelHis statement came in response to PM Modis departure statement on X where he mentioned that he is looking forward to his engagements with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening cooperation in various sectors and discussing regional and global issuesThis will be PM Modis second trip to Israel after his 2017 visit which opened new avenues in defence agriculture and water managementPM Modi to hold wideranging talks with NetanyahuIn his departure statement PM Modi stated India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains including science and technology innovation agriculture water management defence and security trade and investment as well as peopletopeople tiesHe said that he will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest with the Israeli PMDuring the visit PM Modi will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and discuss the bilateral issuesI will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament Knesset an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations he saidThe Prime Minister said that he eagerly looks forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have for long been nurturing the IndiaIsrael special friendshipI am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries set new goals for the Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for a resilient innovative and prosperous future PM Modi addedOn Sunday PM Modi warmly acknowledged Netanyahus personal tribute during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem where the Israeli PM described PM Modi as a dear friend and hailed his upcoming visit as a milestone in bilateral tiesIn his response to a video posted by Netanyahu on X PM Modi stated Thank you my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel built on trust innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visitNetanyahu had shared a video from the cabinet meeting on X In his remarks to his cabinet Netanyahu termed PM Modis arrival in the country as a historic moment underscoring the strength of the IndiaIsrael allianceHe spoke of a vision to forge a broader axis of nations in the Middle East an alliance of likeminded countries united against radical forces and committed to stability security and technological advancementHighlighting his personal rapport with PM Modi Netanyahu noted their frequent exchanges and mutual visits calling the Indian leader not just a partner but a personal friendElaborating on PM Modis engagements in Israel Netanyahu said On Wednesday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive He will address the Knesset and I am sure you will all be there We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together I will also note something else a special collaboration We will advance cooperation in hightech AI and quantum I say AI and quantum not because its not the future its the present and we want to be among the worlds leading nations in this fieldInputs from IANS