Jerusalem, Feb 25 (NationPress) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his two-day State visit to Israel on Wednesday, President Isaac Herzog expressed that the citizens of Israel eagerly anticipate his arrival.

In a message on X, Herzog remarked, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel, and its people are excited to welcome you to our country."

This message followed PM Modi's announcement on X about his trip, where he indicated his enthusiasm for engaging with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to enhance collaboration across various fields and to discuss pressing regional and global topics.

This marks PM Modi's second visit to Israel, following his initial trip in 2017 that paved the way for new partnerships in defense, agriculture, and water management.

In his pre-departure statement, PM Modi highlighted, "India and Israel have forged a strong and diverse Strategic Partnership that has seen extraordinary growth and dynamism in recent years. I am keen to discuss with Prime Minister Netanyahu furthering our cooperation in areas such as science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defense and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people connections."

He also mentioned that he intends to address regional and global matters of shared interest with the Israeli Prime Minister.

During this visit, PM Modi will meet with President Isaac Herzog to deliberate on bilateral concerns.

"I will have the privilege of being the first Indian Prime Minister to deliver a speech at the Knesset, which is a testament to the strong parliamentary and democratic bonds that unite our two nations," he added.

The Prime Minister expressed his eagerness to connect with the members of the Indian diaspora, who have long been instrumental in nurturing the special friendship between India and Israel.

"I am confident that my State Visit will further strengthen the enduring ties between our two countries, establish new ambitions for the Strategic Partnership, and promote our collective vision for a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future," PM Modi stated.

On Sunday, PM Modi appreciated Netanyahu's personal acknowledgment during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where the Israeli Prime Minister referred to him as a "dear friend" and hailed the upcoming visit as a landmark in their bilateral relationship.

Responding to a video shared by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi remarked, "Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I fully concur with you regarding the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India highly values its enduring friendship with Israel, founded on trust, innovation, and a mutual commitment to peace and progress. I look forward to our discussions during my imminent visit to Israel."

Netanyahu had shared a video from the cabinet meeting on X, where he termed PM Modi's visit as a historic occasion, emphasizing the strength of the India-Israel alliance.

He articulated a vision to establish a wider "axis of nations" in the Middle East—an alliance of like-minded countries united against radical forces and devoted to stability, security, and technological progress.

Reflecting on his personal connection with PM Modi, the Israeli Prime Minister underscored their frequent interactions and mutual visits, regarding the Indian leader not just as a partner but as a "personal friend."

Detailing PM Modi's itinerary in Israel, Netanyahu stated, "On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive. He will address the Knesset, and I am certain everyone will be present. We will also host an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together. Additionally, we will advance collaboration in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies. I emphasize AI and quantum because they are not the future; they are the present, and we aspire to be among the leading nations globally in these fields."