Sunday, May 15 2005 17:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ramallah: Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas will visit India on Thursday (May19, 2005) during a whirlwind tour of the Asian region to garner support for his recent initiatives for peace with Israel.

Abbas, after touring China and Pakistan, will leave for India on May 19 and stay for a day, deputy chief of Protocol, Mahmoud Abu Ghosh said.

"He will meet Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf during his brief stay in Pakistan on the way from China on May 19 and leave for India the same day where he will stay for a day," the official said.

Abbas arrived in Japan today (May 15, 2005) where he would be meeting Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi before leaving for Beijing.

Calling India a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian cause, a senior Palestinian source said that the PA Chairman is likely to discuss regional developments with senior leadership, the details of which haven't been worked out yet.

Abbas's visit comes ahead of a scheduled meeting with US President George W Bush on May 26.