This file photo dated July 1, 2003 shows Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met with chairman of the PLO Executive Committee Mahmoud Abbas in Jerusalem. Sharon told his new cabinet Tuesday that he expects to meet with the newly-elected Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in the coming weeks. (Xinhua/AFP file Photo)

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told his new cabinet Tuesday that he expects to meet with the newly-elected Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in the coming weeks, Israeli Ha'aretz reported.

Speaking at the first meeting of his new cabinet, Sharon said he and Abbas would meet in order to advance a number of issues, centering on Palestinian efforts to end attacks against Israel.

Also on Tuesday, President Moshe Katsav called Abbas to congratulate him on his election victory, and expressed the hope for further reconciliation.

He told Abbas that he would be pleased to hold talks with him following his meeting with Sharon.

Abbas told Katsav, "I hope that we can turn a new page in the relations between us."

"We extend our hands to our neighbors. We are ready for peace, peace based on justice. We hope that their response will be positive," Abbas said Monday, calling for a resumption of talks based on the internationally-brokered roadmap peace plan.

Sharon's adviser Dov Weisglass is in working contact with Palestinian Finance Minister Sallam Fayadd. The two met two weeks ago for a working meeting but no plans have been finalized for a meeting between their bosses.