RAMALLAH, May 19 (JMCC) - Palestinian and German officials have embarked on a landmark cooperation deal that will strengthen the working ties between the two governments.

A meeting on Tuesday in Berlin commenced the German-Palestinian Steering Committee, which will enhance high-level political partnership aimed at facilitating the establishment of a Palestinian state.

We believe that the development and reconstruction of state structures in the Palestinian areas are indispensable for a just two-state solution in the Middle East, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in a joint press conference with the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Salam Fayyad.

Westerwelle's talks with Fayyad ran parallel to meetings between the German and Palestinian interior, economy, development and education ministers focused on the development of state institutions in the Palestinian territories.

The steering committee resembles an arrangement that the German government already has with the Israeli cabinet. It is due to meet once a year, either in Berlin or Ramallah, and involves 10 ministers from each side...

Germany has pledged the allocation of 50 million Euros in development and humanitarian aid for the Palestinians. It has also earmarked several development projects as well as the continuation of training highly-acclaimed Palestinian security forces.

Read more about this story at Deutsche Welle...