Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks on Monday with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas "Abu Mazen" in Cairo. They discussed the latest developments in peace processes across the region, state news agency MENA reported. According to a statement issued by the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo, the two leaders also discussed ongoing developments in the Palestinian territorries especially after Israel's escalation in building illegal settlements. During the talks the leaders stressed the priorty of the Palestinian cause as number one issue for Arab countries. It was also agreed, according to the embassy, that Arab states should coordinate their stances and support in the coming period to push forward a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, in line with the Arab peace initiative. They should also push for the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2334 which criminalises Israeli settlement building. The talks and Abu Mazen's visit to Cairo come as part of ongoing coordination between Egypt and Palesitne ahead of the Arab Summit in Amman at the end of March. The talks also come before El-Sisi's scheduled visit to Washington DC in April. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the Head of the General Intelligence Service Khaled Fawzy, and the Head of the President's Office Abbas Kamel attended the meeting. The Palestinian delegation attending the meeting included the Secretary-General of the Fatah Movement Executive Committee Saeb Erekat, the Head of Fatah's bloc in the Palestinian parliament Azzam Al-Ahmed, the Head of the Palesitnian General Intelligence Service Maged Farag and the Palestinian Ambassador and Premanent Envoy to the Arab League Gamal Al-Shobaki. After the talks with Sisi, Abu Mazen left Cairo to return to the West Bank. The Palestinian leader arrived in Cairo late Sunday. Source: Ahram online
