Berlin, March 16, SPA -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel left Berlin Sundayat the start of a three-day visit to Israel, reported dpa. The main reason for the trip by the high-powered delegation ofcabinet ministers, business leaders and scientists was to mark the60th anniversary of the founding of the Jewish state. But the visit also marked the start of annual consultations atcabinet level to be held between the two governments. Merkel is scheduled to address the Knesset on Tuesday.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/536943