(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-17 11:41

JERUSALEM -- German Chancellor Angela Merkelon Sunday began a three-day visit to Israel in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties and help resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

"I am grateful we can open a new chapter in relations between our two countries," Merkel was quoted by local media as saying at a welcoming ceremony at Tel Aviv, where she was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) stands with Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (C) during a welcoming ceremony upon her arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv Mar. 16, 2008. [Agencies]

During her visit, Merkel is to meet Olmert, Israeli President Shimon Peres and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, local media said, adding that she is also scheduled to visit Israel's national Holocaust memorial.

Merkel said that the two sides will discuss Germany's historical responsibility as well as future projects to make the world a better place.

Merkel, who arrived at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, also expressed commitments to help resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

However, Merkel will not meet with Palestinian leaders during her visit. German Embassy spokesman Albert Graf said Merkel's visit was exclusively to Israel because it was designed to mark the 60th anniversary of Israel's foundation.

On Tuesday, Merkel is to address Israel's Knesset (parliament) in German, the first by a German chancellor, local media said.

But such a plan has angered some Israeli lawmakers because of the painful memories of the Holocaust, media reports said.