Head of Egyptian Intelligence Minister Mourad Mowafi today met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his residence in Cairo's Al-Andalus Palace to discuss the latest developments in the Palestinian territories. The meeting dealt with efforts to strengthen national unity as well as efforts underway by the Palestinian leadership to obtain full statehood for Palestine at the United Nations, said Palestinian ambassador to Cairo Barakat al-Farra. President Abbas thanked Minister Mowafi and the efforts made by Egypt to complete the prisoner swap agreement between Hamas and Israel during which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was freed for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, said al-Farra. The Palestinian President began his official visit to Egypt today, which will last for two days, and during which he will meet with the head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi. The meeting between the SCAF Chief and Abbas tomorrow will cover all issues concerning Palestine and Egypt, particularly developments following the President's historic speech to the UN General Assembly requesting full statehood for Palestine. Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization Saeb Erekat, Head of the Fatah Parliament and member of its Central Committee Azzam al-Ahmed, Spokesman for the President Nabil Abu Rdainah and Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Majed Faraj are accompanying President Abbas on his Egypt visit.
