German Chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting Gulf region with the aim to expand economic, commercial and political ties. She is in Saudi Arabia today where her discussions with Saudi leaders are focused on ways of reviving the Middle East peace process, boosting regional security and the nuclear standoff with Iran.Merkel's foreign policy adviser Christoph Heusgen said GCC countries have a central role to play in resolving the standoff with Iran.<br/><br/>Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi before leaving for Jeddah, the chancellor pledged to boost trade across the Gulf region. She pointed out that while political ties and initiatives are important it ultimately comes down to creating investment opportunities.<br/><br/>Saudi Arabia is Germany's third largest trading partner in the Middle East. Merkel sealed contracts for plastic production and a natural gas service during her first stopover in Abu Dhabi. She will also visit Bahrain and Qatar before returning to Berlin.