Dubai: Pledging its steadfast support to the Palestinian cause and their "inalienable right" to a homeland of their own, India today (Jun 17, 2004) said that its relations with Israel were bilateral in nature and not directed against any third country.

During a meeting with Jordanian Prince Faisal in Amman, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said that the new Indian Government would give a fresh impetus to its ties with Arab countries and would continue supporting the Palestinians' cause.

Ahamed handed over to Prince Faisal an invitation from President A P J Abdul Kalam to King Abdullah II to visit India at an early date.

The discussions also covered regional issues, particularly developments in Iraq, the Palestinian cause, the Arab world and Islamic countries.

Ahamed met Mohammad Halaiqa, Deputy Prime Minister and Industry and Trade Minister, in his capacity as the Acting Prime Minister of Jordan.

In his talks with Halaiqa, Ahamed emphatically said that India's relations with Israel were bilateral in nature.

Arab countries should not have any concern whatsoever with India's relations with Israel, particularly against the background of New Delhi's historical support for Palestinian and Arab causes.

Relations between India and Pakistan, developments in the Middle East, bilateral economic trade relations as also ties with Islamic world came up during the parleys.