In Germany, German Chancellor Angela Merkel had "very open and in-depth" talks with Obama on Thursday.

During the one-hour talks, Merkel and Obama exchanged views on a wide range of key international issues, including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East peace process.

US Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama poses with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the chancellery in Berlin, in front of Reichstag building, July 24, 2008.

They also discussed the trans-Atlantic economic partnership, climate change and energy issues, the state of the global economy and the need for cooperation on the international level and in international organizations to tackle important global issues.

During his 30-hour stay at Israel and the Palestinian territory, the White House hopeful projected himself as an active and constructive partner in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and as a steadfast opponent to a nuclear Iran.

"I'm here on this trip to reaffirm the special relationship between Israel and the United States and my abiding commitment to Israel's security and my hope that I can serve as an effective partner, whether as a US senator or as president," he told Israeli President Shimon Peres on Wednesday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (R) shakes hands with US Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) during their meeting at the Palestinian Authority headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah July 23, 2008.

Obama also made a gesture to the Palestinians, pledging active and constructive involvement in the protracted Middle East peace process.

In a brief visit to the West Bank, Obama assured Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that he would be "a constructive partner in the peace process" and "would not waste a minute if elected."