Ramallah, Feb 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has embarked upon a three-day tour to the Middle East, was awarded with the Palestine's grand honour -- the Commendation of Grand Collar -- by President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday.

The honour accorded to Modi credits him for for the support extended by India towards the Palestinian cause. The Indian PM is also lauded for his vision to accelerate the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Ramallah.

"In recognition of his wise leadership, lofty national and international stature; in appreciation of his efforts to promote historic relations between Palestine and India; in acknowledgement of his support to our peoples' right to freedom so peace prevails in region," the Commendation of Grand Collar reads.

What is the 'Commendation of Grand Collar'?

Regarded as the highest award given to foreign dignitaries, Palestine has conferred the title upon select few leaders who have constantly supported the movement towards self-determination initiated by Yasser Arafat, the former chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO).

Among the dignitaries upon who the title have been conferred, includes Chinese President Xi Jinping, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, King Hamad of Bahrain, among others.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to make the list. His visit to Palestine comes nearly seven months after he visited Israel, the arch nemesis of Ramallah. India's parliamentary opposition had then raised hue and cry over his decision to not visit Palestine during the previous state-tour in the region.

Retorting to the criticism, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had said that India is working towards dehyphanting the country's diplomatic ties with Israel and Palestine.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 10, 2018 03:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).