The External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has concluded the final leg of his four day visit to West Asia.

This was the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minster to Israel and Palestine in over a decade.

During the visit, India and Israel signed an extradition treaty and a pact on transfer of prisoners. Mr. Krishna met the top Palestinian leaders in Ramallah and reiterated India’s support to the Palestine cause.

AIR West Asia correspondent reports that the high point of External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna’s visit to Israel was the signing of the extradition treaty and a pact on the transfer of sentenced persons.

India and Israel resolved to work out a joint strategy to stamp out the threat of terrorism.

In Tel Aviv, Mr. Krishna held talks with the President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigador Liebernman over a wide range of issues. He said Israel is a natural ally of India and bilateral trade & commerce should be enhanced from the current level of $5 billion per annum.

The Israeli President Shimon Peres backed India for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. The Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Netanyahu said his country is looking forward to enhance co-operation with India in different sectors.

India gave a go ahead for opening up of an Israeli Consulate in Bangalore.

In the final leg of his tour, the Foreign Minister visited the West Bank City of Ramallah where he met the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. He held bilateral talks with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Malki on the regional and international issues. Mr. Krishna reiterated India’s support to the Palestinian cause