Israel and Germany on Monday approved a host of joint projects and agreed to hold annual government consultations during German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to the Jewish state, in a clear sign to boost bilateral ties.
Merkel and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert chaired a joint session of members of their respective cabinets, at which both governments signed off on a range of projects, including defense, education and environment, local daily Ha'aretz reported.
The two sides agreed to hold such meetings annually, alternating as hosts, the report said.
The security cooperation agreement signed between Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his German counterpart Franz Josef Jung includes joint military training projects.
"The two sides seek to strengthen and intensify their political, cultural, economic and social relations as a partnership of democratic and pluralistic nations," said a joint statement.
After Monday's joint session of cabinet ministers, Merkel was set to hold talks with Olmert, during which Iran's disputed nuclear program was likely to be on the agenda.
On Tuesday, Merkel will become the first foreign head of government to address Israel's Knesset (parliament). In the past, the honor has been reserved only for heads of state and monarchs.
Earlier on Monday, the second day of her three-day trip, Merkel laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance during a ceremony at Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.
Germany will never lose sight of its "historical responsibility," Merkel was quoted as saying.
Source:Xinhua
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