Berlin - The king of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, began a visit to Berlin Monday with a focus on both business links and Middle East peace.

After a meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a German statement said both sides stressed trade and industry opportunities ahead, including railway building.

Germany has been promoting its technology for a fast rail link along the southern shore of the Gulf.

They also conferred about Mideast issues and Iran's standoff with the United nations over its nuclear research.

Steinmeier left Berlin for Pakistan after the meeting. The king is scheduled to meet Tuesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. (dpa)