BERLIN, Jan. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel left here Thursday for the United States to hold talks with U.S. President George W. Bush.

    On her first state visit to Washington as chancellor, Merkel will hold a three-hour meeting with Bush to discuss international affairs such as Iran's resumption of its nuclear activities and energy security.

    She would also be expected to suggest that the United States close the Guantanamo detention center, where hundreds of terrorist suspects or Afghan Taliban fighters have been held without trial.

    Merkel's visit was meant to improve German-U.S. ties strained since former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder strongly opposed to the U.S.-led Invasion of Iraq in 2003. Enditem