Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held talks with visiting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas Thursday evening, with Singh expressing support for the Palestinian cause.

At the meeting, Manmohan Singh also assured Abbas, who arrived here Thursday evening on a two-day visit, that India will use its stature to help the peace process in the Middle East, sources said.

This is the first visit to India by Abbas who succeeded the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat -- the iconic leader who enjoyed a special relationship with India.

Abbas thanked India for its support for the cause of an independent Palestinian state and extensive humanitarian assistance for the beleaguered people of Palestine.

Abbas, president of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), also briefed Manmohan Singh about the current situation in Palestine and urged India to use its influence to end the "Israeli occupation of Palestine."

He will meet President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairman Sonia Gandhi Friday before ending his visit.

India has supported the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to a State and the imperative need for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Source: Xinhua