BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday began a tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates aimed at forging energy and arms partnerships as Europe’s largest and richest economy seeks to reduce its dependence on the United States and China.
“We need these partnerships more than ever as politics increasingly becomes determined by great powers,” Merz said at the start of his three-day visit, adding that the purpose of such alliances is to maintain freedom, security and prosperity.
“While our partners may not all share the same values and interests, they do share the idea that we need a world order that trusts consensus and treats each other with respect,” he added.
The tour, which follows visits to Brazil and South Africa last year and India last month, is part of a broader German effort to diversify its global alliances.
“In a network of partnerships like this, we reduce unilateral dependencies, mitigate risks and create new opportunities together for mutual benefit,” Merz said.
In the Gulf region, Merz said he wanted deeper cooperation in the energy and military sectors, adding that Berlin was taking a more accommodative approach on arms exports. Germany’s economy minister made preparations last week.
Qatar is already one of Germany’s biggest foreign investors
Relations with Saudi Arabia soured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Merz said that although some progress had been made on human rights, there was still work to be done and that he would discuss the issue.
Gulf states already play a role in Germany’s economy, with large sovereign wealth funds. Qatar is one of Germany’s biggest foreign investors, with stakes in companies including Volkswagen, power company RWE and shipping group Hapag-Lloyd.
Mertz said he would address broader regional issues and call for greater peace, stability and cooperation, including normalization with Israel.
Referring to the balance that Gulf states maintain toward Israel and the Palestinians, Mertz said, “Israel should one day become a welcomed part of this order, rather than a foreign entity to be rejected.”
Regarding Iran, Mertz said he has three demands on Iran: stop violence against its own people, stop its military nuclear program, and stop its destabilizing activities in the region.
While Germany remains one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, Gulf states have taken different approaches toward Iran, especially since the Gaza war. (Writing: Madeline Chambers; Editing: Bernadette Baum)
