German Chancellor visits Israel

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 03-17-2008 08:58

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in Israel, marking the country's 60th anniversary of independence and the inauguration of a new forum between Cabinet members from the two countries.

Merkel was greeted with a full ceremony at Israel's airport on Sunday afternoon, in the presence of Israel's prime minister and most of his Cabinet. (CCTV.com)

The visit reflects the ties that have developed since Israel gained independence after World War II.

Germany has become one of Israel's staunchest political allies and trading partners in Europe.

Though six decades have passed since the end of World War II, a state visit by a German leader is a highly emotional event for the Jewish state.

Merkel was greeted with a full ceremony at Israel's airport on Sunday afternoon, in the presence of Israel's prime minister and most of his Cabinet.

She acknowledged her country's "historical responsibility" to Israel, and pledged to work for peace in the mideast.

Merkel, German Chancellor, said, "We are conscious of the threats directed against Israel during the past 60 years and we want to make our contribution to bring about a solution to the conflict, a two-state solution: one state for the Jews, the state of Israel, and the other for the Palestinians in the Palestinian territories."

Merkel later paid a visit to the grave of former  Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion.(CCTV.com)

Accompanied by Israeli President Shimon Peres, Merkel later paid a visit to the grave of former Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion.

Merkel's visit arrives at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinians. It includes a stop at Israel's official Holocaust memorial and an address to parliament.

Peace efforts are expected to figure high on her agenda, though the chancellor will not be meeting with Palestinian leaders during her visit.

Palestinian Foreign Ministry said Merkel would soon pay a "special visit" to the West Bank to discuss German support for the Palestinians.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei