New Delhi, Sept 09: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today called on President A P J Abdul Kalam who emphasised on the need to have a lasting peace in the Middle East. During the 40-minute meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries and the situation in the Middle East, a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesman said.

Among those present at the talks were secretary in the External Affairs Ministry, R M Abhayankar and Indian ambassador in Israel, Raminder Singh Jassal. Earlier, Sharon visited Rajghat, Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, where he placed a wreath. Bureau Report