Germany-Iraq-Al-Maliki
Germany and Iraq called on Tuesday for a comprehensive deepening of political and economic relations.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki in Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the landmark visit by the Iraqi leader opened the possibility for a 'new chapter' in bilateral ties.

She stressed her country's readiness to promote political and economic reconstruction process in the war-ravaged Arab country.

Merkel hailed Iraqi efforts to improve the overall security situation.

The chancellor added Germany could offer its expertise in setting up a sort of Iraqi federal system and training civil employees.

Pointing to the long industrial history of Iraq, Merkel said that German companies could stand to benefit from that experience.

Echoing Merkel's remarks, Al-Maliki urged the revival of good historic German-Iraqi ties.

The Iraqi prime minister said a major objective of his two-day Germany trip was to portray a 'new image of Iraq'.

He urged increased German investments in Iraq amid Baghdad's efforts to improve the security situation.

Al-Maliki made clear that Iraq was now ready to take security matters into their hands.

This is al-Maliki's first trip to Germany since becoming Iraqi prime minister.

Earlier this month, German Economic Minister Michael Glos held talks with Iraqi officials in Baghdad, becoming the first German cabinet minister to visit the Mideast country since the US-led war in March 2003.

While Germany had strongly opposed the illegal US invasion of Iraq in 2003, it has supported international reconstruction and stabilization efforts in the Mideast country.

Berlin has also been involved in the training of hundreds of new security forces in the United Arab Emirates over the past years.

Pressured by the US, Germany also agreed to write off billions of euros in Iraqi debts.