CAIRO, October 22, 2011 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Saturday held a meeting with the chairman of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of Egypt, Mohammad Tantawi, during which they discussed the latest political developments and issues of common interest.

Azzam al-Ahmad, member of Fatah Central Committee, told WAFA that Abbas 'is always keen to discuss the political file with Tantawi and the Egyptian leadership.'

This is the first meeting Abbas has held with Tantawi following the Palestinian bid to the United Nations and the Quartet statement.

“We must coordinate our moves with the Egyptian leadership,” said Ahmad.

Abbas and Tantawi discussed as well implementing the Palestinian reconciliation agreement Fatah and Hamas has signed in Cairo in May.

Abbas praised Egyptian efforts to achieve the prisoners exchange deal with Israel, said Ahmad, adding the PA “is relieved that Shalit’s file is finally closed, because it was being used as an excuse by Israel and other parties to hinder the peace process.”

The two leaders also discussed steps to release the nine female Palestinian prisoners who were excluded from the Shalit deal.

Abbas headed to the United Arab Emirates after his two-day visit to Egypt.

M.H./M.S.