>TRIPOLI, Oct. 14 -- German Chancellor Gerhard Schroederarrived here Thursday night to kick off his two-day maiden visit toLibya, the first ever by a German leader in 25 years.

Schroeder was greeted by Libyan Secretary General (prime minister) Shokri Mohammed Ghanem and Secretary of Foreign Communication and International Cooperation Abdul-Rahman Mohammad Shalgam at the airport.

Shortly after his arrival, Schroeder went into talks with Libyanleader Muammar al-Ghaddafi. The press were kept away from the talks, which were held in Ghaddafi's tent.

No details about the talks were available by now.

Schroeder's trip came three days after the European Union liftedan 18-year-old arms embargo against Libya imposed when the country was accused of supporting terrorist organizations.

The trip was planned after Libya finally agreed on Sept. 3 to sign an agreement to pay 35 million US dollars in compensation to victims of a German disco bombing 18 years ago.

The attack on La Belle nightclub in 1986 in the then-West Berlinkilled two US soldiers and a civilian woman and wounded about 200 people.

According to German officials, Schroeder will seek more commitment from Ghaddafi in the fight against terrorism, boost relations between Libya and the EU by helping it to become a full member at regular EU-Mediterranean summits.

Schroeder, who is leading a 200-member delegation, will also seek business opportunities in Libya, which possesses over 3 percent of the world's oil reserves.

Libya is one of Germany's biggest suppliers of oil after Russia,Norway and Britain, supplying 11 percent of German oil imports.

Source: Xinhua