Presidential Spokesman Yasser Ali said that President Mohamed Morsi returned home on Thursday 31/1/2013 morning after his official visit to Germany.

Ali added that Morsi held expanded talks with German officials, attended the Egyptian-German business forum and met with a group of German intellectuals.

Morsi said that Cairo and Berlin are keen to boost bilateral relations.

At a joint press conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel, the President said both sides are seeking to cement relations at the political, economic and cultural levels.

Egypt appreciates relations with Germany, which are based on cooperation and mutual respect, Morsi emphasized. The meeting came after continuing consultations between the Egyptian and German governments at all levels over the past period, he added.

Germany was one of the first countries, which supported Egypt in its democratic transition, Morsi said, noting that Egypt appreciates German's efforts in this regard.

He, meanwhile, said that the meeting is a chance to brief the German side on the latest developments in Egypt and its democratic transition. Morsi asserted his keenness on supporting democratic pluralism and holding national dialogue with all political powers and parties without any preconditions.

Germany should play a role in supporting the Egyptian economy in the various fields, especially in the scientific research, investment and tourism, he noted.

Concerning his statements on Jews in 2010, Morsi stressed that what was reported two weeks ago in the media was carved out of context and that he is not against Judaism or the Jews.

He added that as a Muslim, I believe in all prophets and religions and respect peoples' right of belief.

Merkel, meanwhile, said that her talks with Morsi tackled ways of boosting economic ties, adding that she got acquainted with the situation in Egypt in a bid to support a number of political powers.