[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor who paid a farewell visit to Israel before her retirement, pledged to uphold the promises Germany made after the Nazi Holocaust (Jewish genocide).
According to local media on the 10th (local time), Merkel, who visited Israel for the eighth time and her last time as Chancellor before retirement, met with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and President Isaac Herzog on the day.
During her meeting with Prime Minister Bennett, Merkel said, "Germany will keep the promises made to Israel after the Holocaust," adding, "I want to emphasize through this visit that Israel's security is a central and important issue for the German government."
She also attended a special Israeli cabinet meeting, stating, "The Holocaust is an event for which we feel responsible in every phase of history," and emphasized, "Therefore, Germany sitting here today with you is a historical gift to which Israel has contributed greatly."
She continued, "Regarding the question of the 'two-state solution' with Palestine, we sometimes had differing opinions. However, there was always a vision concerning the survival of the democratic Jewish state of Israel."
At the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, which commemorates the six million Holocaust victims, Merkel lit the "Eternal Flame," laid a wreath, and bowed her head.
Merkel noted that Jewish life is being revived in Germany, saying, "This is an expression of trust that daily supports our determination to stand against anti-Semitism, hatred, and violence."
Germany has often clashed with Israel over issues related to Palestine and Iran. However, since World War II, it has strengthened cooperation in security and economic fields and has led friendly relations with Israel within the European Union (EU).
Israeli Prime Minister Bennett praised Merkel, saying, "Those who should remain neutral regarding the conflicts between Israel and Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah have lost their moral compass, but Chancellor Merkel has served as the moral compass for the entire European continent in supporting Israel for years."
Meanwhile, Merkel stated that the coming weeks will be a critical phase in determining the future of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). She said that while Iran has not responded to the U.S. proposal and time is passing, Iran will enrich uranium.
Merkel emphasized that Iran must immediately resume negotiations to restore the nuclear deal and that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping should pressure Iran.
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