During the tete-a-tete meeting, the two leaders are to discuss the staggering Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the geopolitical situation in the region, and development and implementation of joint economic initiatives for strengthening the peace process, according to a statement released by Peres' office.
The visit marks the first meeting of Israeli and Palestinian heads of state ever to be held in the Israeli president's residence in Jerusalem.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L) is greeted by his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres in Jerusalem July 22, 2008. Peres and Abbas met on Tuesday to discuss issues including the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. (Xinhua Photo) |
The meeting comes against the backdrop that little apparent achievement has been made in the peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians, although both sides have repeatedly stressed their commitment to reaching a comprehensive peace deal within 2008.
Local daily Ha'aretz quoted Peres as saying before the meeting that the political situation in Israel would not affect its commitment to the peace process, which apparently refers to the turmoil surrounding Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his ruling Kadima party.
Olmert has been facing mounting calls for his resignation since the fifth probe against him went public in May over suspicions that he took illicit money from an American businessman before assuming the premiership.
His ruling Kadima party is preparing for a primary in September, which would unseat the probes-laden leader.
