Tel Aviv, Feb 26 (NationPress) In a significant final gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his spouse Sara Netanyahu warmly sent off PM Narendra Modi at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, marking the conclusion of his two-day official visit to the nation on Thursday.

Before PM Modi boarded his flight, he and Netanyahu shared an affectionate hug and engaged in a friendly conversation.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu and the First Lady had welcomed PM Modi upon his arrival for this remarkable second visit.

Earlier that day, PM Modi and Netanyahu convened to elevate their nations' relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, discussing ways to enhance collaboration between India and Israel.

“Today’s discussions with PM Netanyahu were highly productive. We have made a historic choice to elevate our enduring partnership to a Special Strategic Partnership. This reflects the aspirations of our peoples,” PM Modi shared on X.

“We deliberated on providing fresh direction and increased momentum to our cooperation, encompassing economic and trade relations. We have resolved to establish a Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership, accelerating collaboration in numerous advanced sectors,” he further stated.

PM Modi highlighted agriculture as a crucial area of focus for both nations.

In a post on X, PM Modi emphasized, “Agriculture is a vital domain where India and Israel collaborate closely. Today’s discussions led to the decision to expand the number of Centres of Excellence to 100, significantly benefiting our farmers.”

During his visit, PM Modi also interacted with the cast of the popular Israeli series Fauda. Sharing a selfie with them on X, he humorously noted, “Fortunately, this meeting only required a selfie, no undercover operations needed! Fauda.”

Beginning his second day of engagements, PM Modi met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where they discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, technology, and connectivity.

PM Modi and Herzog also participated in planting a tree in the Presidential Gardens as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative.

“A bond of warmth and goodwill! Today, PM Narendra Modi met with Israel's President Isaac Herzog. He expressed gratitude for Herzog's unwavering support in fortifying the special India-Israel partnership. Both leaders explored further collaboration opportunities in education, start-ups, innovation, technology, and connectivity,” stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.

“PM Narendra Modi planted a tree in the Presidential Gardens under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and extended an invitation to President Herzog to visit India soon,” he added.

Before his meeting with President Herzog, PM Modi visited the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, where he paid tribute to Holocaust victims by laying a wreath.

Accompanied by PM Netanyahu and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, PM Modi toured the Holocaust Memorial and Museum, which documents the harrowing events of the Holocaust. This included a visit to the Book of Names, housing the names of 4.8 million Jewish victims, and a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance. PM Modi also signed the guest book at Yad Vashem.

On Wednesday, PM Modi delivered a Special Plenary address at the Knesset in Jerusalem, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has spoken at the Israeli parliament.