Palestinian and Israeli officials have agreed to continue meetings preparing for a summit between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Voice of Palestine radio reported on Thursday.

In an interview with the radio, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat disclosed that the agreement was reached during a meeting between Palestinian officials and Olmert's aides on Wednesday night, which was "deep and serious".

During the Wednesday night meeting, the two sides also discussed ways to achieve ceasefire, prevent military escalation and release prisoners, said Erekat.

The two sides also agreed to meet again to prepare for a Abbas- Olmert summit, he added.

Abbas and Olmert have not met since June when Palestinian militant groups kidnapped an Israeli soldier in Gaza, after which Israeli army troops have launched military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Source: Xinhua