JERUSALEM, Nov 6: Israeli President Shimon Peres plans to join Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah at a UN interfaith conference this month, Peres’ office said on Wednesday, raising the possibility of an unprecedented public meeting between the heads of state of the longtime adversaries.

Peres, a Nobel Peace laureate, has recently spoken favourably of a Saudi-sponsored plan that calls for a comprehensive peace between Israel and the Arab world.

A spokeswoman confirmed he would attend the gathering in New York, though it was unclear whether the two men would meet separately or discuss the peace plan. Various world leaders, including President Bush, Arab leaders and the Italian prime minister are expected to attend.—AP