German-Israeli government consultations
Gemany and Israel would like to take their cooperation one step further. The two countries have a deep and shared will to cooperate closely in a spirit of friendship, said the Chancellor following a meeting of the German and Israeli governments.
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Deep in discussion: the heads of government and defence ministers Ehud Barak and Thomas de Maizière (left to right)
Photo: Bundesregierung/Bergmann
The views of the two sides continue to diverge on the issue of Israel's settlement policy, however.
"In view of the Holocaust, we on the German side are very much aware how wonderful it is that we can cooperate on this basis today," declared the Chancellor at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following their talks.
This year’s consultations were held under the banner "Innovation, Education and Sustainability". Angela Merkel pointed out that the two countries are already involved in a number of trilateral cooperation projects, in particular in the fields of development and agriculture. Germany and Israel are acting together in several African states: Ethiopia, Ghana and Kenya.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a joint press conference.
Innovation, education, internal security
The two countries signed a common declaration of intent on cooperation in research into batteries and electrochemistry. In the fields of education and youth exchange too Germany and Israel aim to work even more closely. Youth exchange programmes are to be extended to include a holiday work programme and programmes for young professionals.
The two governments also agreed to extend cooperation in the field of internal security, in particular in the fight against violent extremism and terrorism.
Israel’s security – part of Germany’s reason of state
The Chancellor and the Israeli Prime Minister also discussed the situation in the Middle East. "During our talks, I once again made it clear that the security of Israel is part of Germany’s reason of state. Unfortunately, there have been incidents over the last few weeks that cause me to stress this once again," said Angela Merkel. She was referring to the rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza.
Angela Merkel and Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the importance of Middle East peace talks. The Chancellor underscored the fact that, "We on the German side believe that it is important to continue working towards a two-state solution. And we would like to see a Jewish state – Israel – and a Palestinian state."
The views of the two states diverge on the matter of settlement policy. The Chancellor pointed out that the German and the Israeli sides do share a deep will to work well together.
Almost 50 years of diplomatic relations
In 2015 Germany and Israel will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The anniversary year offers and opportunity to devise new initiatives to shape the future of the two countries. Special events, celebrations and other activities are to be organised in both countries.
Sixty years ago David Ben Gurion and Konrad Adenauer signed the Luxembourg Agreement. It laid the foundations for establishing diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel. The shared values of the two states (democracy, liberty and the rule of law) were to be the basis of the friendship between Germany and Israel.
Germany’s special responsibility
The special relations between Germany and Israel are the result of Germany’s responsibility for the crime of the Holocaust. Germany and Israel share democratic values and a wide range of interests, not least of which are security interests that must be defenced within the international community.
Any attempt to question the right of the state of Israel to exist, any call to destroy the state of Israel and any attempt to deny the Holocaust are inacceptable for the German government.
05.12.12: On Wednesday evening the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Berlin, where the Chancellor greeted him.
The two heads of government were first able to exchange views over dinner.
06.12.12: On Thursday morning the last preparations were underway for the government consultations.
As snow falls, the Chancellor welcomes the Israeli Prime Minister on the red carpet in front of the Federal Chancellery.
The consultations were held under the banner "Innovation - Education - Sustainability".
A wide spectrum of issues were discussed, including controversial topics.
The agenda included the current situation in the Middle East, but also cooperation in the fields of business, research, education, and youth exchange.
Benjamin Netanyahu was accompanied by six ministers who held parallel talks with their German opposite numbers.
These were the fourth consulations, which alternate between the two capital cities.
Angela Merkel and Benjamin Netanyahu talk with defence ministers Ehud Barak and Thomas de Maizière (left to right)
The full delegations in the NATO room
Angela Merkel and Benjamin Netanyahu led the consultations; the atmosphere was excellent.
Talks continued over lunch.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle (right to left) during lunch
Israel's security is a matter very close to her heart - it is part of Germany's reason of state, stated Angela Merkel to the press.
In terms of Israel's settlement policy, all I can say, said the Chancellor, "is that we agree to disagree".
In the afternoon the Israeli Prime Minister and the Chancellor said goodbye.