Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agreed on Sunday to meet soon to seek increased cooperation between them.

In their first telephone conversation in more than five weeks, Abbas and Sharon exchanged greetings on the Jewish holiday of the New Year, starting at sundown on Monday, and for Islam's upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

A statement from Sharon's office said Abbas and Sharon "agreed to tighten cooperation between them and to work together to advance the process."

"They also agreed to meet soon in order to advance various issues that are on the agenda," it added.

A meeting had been scheduled for Sunday, but was cancelled due to a surge in violence between Israel and the Palestinians.

In the telephone conversation, the two also voiced the hope that the new year would bring peace and hope for Israelis and Palestinians.

Source: Xinhua