Merz wants to expand strategic partnership with the Gulf region

Iran, armaments, energy

Merz wants to expand strategic partnership with the Gulf region

Less dependence on states like China or the USA – that’s what Chancellor Merz wants to achieve. That’s why he’s now holding talks in important Gulf states. The goal: collaboration with respect and trust.

Under the pressure of rapid change in the global order, Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to secure Germany’s position in the world with closer partnerships, including in the Gulf region. “We need such partnerships more than ever at a time when major powers are increasingly determining politics,” emphasized Merz before his departure to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. He wanted to arrive there in the evening.

On his first trip to the Gulf region, the Chancellor will also stop in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He announced that he wanted to expand the strategic dialogue with the three states. “We will be better able to preserve and increase our freedom, our security and our prosperity in the long term if we have such partnerships.”

These partners may not all share the same values ​​and interests, Merz acknowledged. “But they share the insight that we need an order in which we trust in appointments and treat each other with respect.”

After his inaugural trips to allies in Europe and North America, Merz is now concerned with strengthening relations with important countries outside the EU and NATO. That’s why he’s already been to summits in Africa and Latin America and visited India.

This also has to do with the fact that Germany has to reorient itself in a new world order in which great power politics plays an increasing role. Dependencies on superpowers such as China (exports and raw materials) and the USA (defense, liquid gas, trade) should be reduced.

The three rich Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE have a lot to offer. The partnership with the Gulf states gives Germany the opportunity to diversify its oil and gas supply chains, said Merz before departure.

But he also pointed to the modernization of his country planned by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This makes the only G20 state in the Gulf an attractive partner for German industry. German companies are already implementing infrastructure projects throughout the country.

Saudi sovereign wealth funds also have significant investments in Germany. “There is more to be done here. We want to discuss this opportunity and use it together, also for a growth spurt here at home in Germany.”

Partnership involves building mutual trust, said Merz. “This also applies to arms exports.” The federal government has decided to be less restrictive than in the past and, above all, more predictable. “Our partners see this as an important signal of our cooperation.”