The growing closeness between Germany and key Gulf states — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — is visible in a steady flow of ministerial visits. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) recently traveled to Saudi Arabia, followed by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU), who argued that when long‑standing partnerships grow fragile “we must look for new partners,” notably in energy and armaments. Reiche signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi energy minister.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE within about 72 hours, aiming to deepen economic ties and secure reliable agreements as Europe and Germany reassess dependence on the United States. The German government speaks of “new strategic partnerships” — with India (which Merz visited earlier), the Gulf states now, and China planned next.
Energy remains central. For decades the Gulf supplied oil to resource‑poor Germany; since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, gas has become increasingly crucial. The EU has reduced reliance on Russian gas; today LNG makes up roughly 10% of Germany’s supply, with about 30% of that in 2024 from the US. Berlin believes that share could be reduced if Gulf suppliers, especially Saudi Arabia and Qatar, increase deliveries.
DW Chief Correspondent Michaela Küfner, accompanying Merz, noted that current LNG dependence on Washington could be replaced by Middle Eastern exporters — which may require Germany to be more permissive on arms exports. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed interest in the Airbus A400M transport aircraft. Energy deals have sometimes stalled because Qatar sought long‑term contracts while Germany preferred shorter terms; the government now says it is willing to be more flexible.
Merz will travel with a large business delegation. In Berlin, journalists are watching to see whether he will raise human rights concerns. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius acknowledged reforms in Saudi Arabia, saying they have “enabled improvements in women’s rights” but stressed “much remains to be done, and further progress is needed.”
Regional tensions also shape the trip. Protests in Iran raise questions about potential US intervention, while the Gaza war and US policy influence regional dynamics. Controversy has arisen over former US President Trump’s new “Board of Peace,” designed to help resolve the Gaza conflict and including Qatar; Israel has objected. Germany places little value on the council, partly because it was framed as a counter‑model to the United Nations. Kornelius said Germany is aware of Israel’s position and that relations between states develop in ways Germany does not have to comment on now.
The sensitivity of every diplomatic word underlines how closely Merz’s statements will be scrutinized despite the emphasis on economic cooperation.
This article was originally written in German.
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