Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj will visit Israel and Palestine during January 17-18 in an effort to boost ties with the West Asian countries.

This will be Swaraj’s first visit to the region. Her trip comes within months of President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit in October.

“During the visit, the Minister will hold discussions with the Israeli leadership and review the entire gamut of India-Israel bilateral relations. The two sides share firm belief in the values of democracy and free market economy. India and Israel also share close relation in the fields of agriculture, science and technology and education … The visit will augment India’s bilateral relations with Israel and further strengthen the linkages between the two sides,” said a statement from the Ministry.

During her visit, Swaraj will meet Israel President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister for Defence Moshe Ya’alon, Minister for National Infrastructure Yuval Steinitz and other Israeli legislators. Swaraj, who will be accompanied by Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East), will also interact with the Indian community there.

In Palestine, the Minister will meet all leading political leaders and review bilateral ties.

“The visit will further deepen the mutual understanding at the political level and boost bilateral engagement with Palestine. The visit will also reaffirm India’s continued political, diplomatic and developmental support to Palestine,” the release said.

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