Prime Minister Ehud Olmert: The State of Israel is proud to host the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, during her visit to Israel marking 60 years since the establishment of the State of Israel.

Germany is one of Israel’s strongest and most important allies in the world.  The relations between our countries are based on a commitment and history spanning many years, on genuine solidarity and on shared basic values.

The Chancellor arrives here today at the head of a dignified delegation, which includes a long list of senior government ministers and parliamentarians from the entire spectrum of German politics, in order to establish a special dialogue of consultation between our two countries, with the purpose of even further strengthening and deepening the cooperation between us.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, Chancellor Merkel, from the bottom of my heart, for the unique friendship, the profound understanding of the political and security needs of the State of Israel and the unshakable commitment of both Germany as a whole and you personally to Israel’s security.

Over the past several years, the relations between Israel and Germany have grown even deeper in every field.  Germany is Israel’s second largest trading partner.  The ties between us in the fields of science, culture and the economy are productive and flourishing, and our cooperation in the political and security arenas is close and as courageous as ever.  The policy of Chancellor Merkel and her government regarding the Middle East, also in the framework of the European Union and other international forums, has always been characterized by basic understanding; a practical, fair and positive approach; and inspirational courage and determination with regard to the struggle against terror and the campaign against the nuclear arming of Iran.

In the two years since I took office, Chancellor Merkel – who was the first leader to visit Israel after I assumed the position of Prime Minister – has become a confidante and strategic ally.  The celebrations taking place in Germany marking the 60th anniversary of Israel, and especially the Chancellor’s visit to Israel at this historic time, are a clear expression of her warm personal friendship and the importance she attributes to the ties between our peoples.

On my behalf and on behalf of the people of Israel, I thank you again, Madam Chancellor, for your decision to visit Israel and celebrate with us the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel; for the importance you attribute to this visit; and for your genuine friendship for the State of Israel.  The people of Israel appreciate your friendship and are grateful for your actions.

Welcome to Israel.

Chancellor Angela Merkel: Distinguished Prime Minister, Speaker of the Knesset, my colleagues from the Parliament, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: thank you very much for the warm reception here in Israel.

We arrived here to mark Israel’s 60th anniversary celebrations, many years of work by many people who endeavored to ensure the future of the relations between our peoples.  These relations are in no way obvious, and therefore I will begin my visit at the grave of Ben-Gurion, who together with Konrad Adenauer established the relations between our peoples and worked to strengthen them.

I am grateful that we may begin a new chapter in the relations between us, and tomorrow we will begin with consultations between our governments.  In the framework of these consultations, the historic responsibility of Germany will no doubt be expressed, but we will also deal with future projects designed to shape the world and make it better – a world of freedom, peace and cooperation.

We are aware of the threats Israel has faced during the past 60 years, and we would like to contribute to resolving the conflict through the two-state solution – one state for Jews, the State of Israel; and one for Palestinians on Palestinian territory.

We are grateful that we are able to hold these talks in a spirit of friendship.  Thank you again for the warm welcome and congratulations on your 60th anniversary.  I also convey the congratulations of the entire delegation, the German people and from me personally.