US EditionMerz Seeks New Strategic Partnerships During Three-State Gulf Visit
Merz aims to diversify Germany's energy sources beyond the US and secure new economic and defense agreements with Gulf states amid geopolitical and human-rights concerns.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz begins a three-day Gulf trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE to diversify energy supplies, find new markets, and discuss defense cooperation with a large business delegation.
- A clash over contract length — Gulf suppliers seeking long deals while Germany prefers shorter ones — has stalled projects, with LNG accounting for about 13% of imports and about 94% from the US, Susanne Nies said.
- Interest in defence hardware, such as the Airbus A400M, signals possible arms cooperation, with some projects kept confidential ahead of the visit, DW's Michaela Köfner reports, according to Stefan Kornelius.
- The German government signals greater flexibility toward Gulf states, which could ease arms exports and energy deals amid regional security concerns, including Iran tensions.
- Concerns about past US energy leverage and tariff threats underline why Germany views diversification as a security priority, urging reliance on Middle East energy exporters plus Norway, Canada, and Australia.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Friedrich Merz travels to Saudi Arabia. The main topic is the stability of the region, but it is also about economic cooperation – and more energy supply.
Human rights, military, billion-dollar deals: diplomatic stumbling blocks await him during Friedrich Merz's inaugural visit to the Gulf.
On his trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Merz wants to talk about arms business.
The Chancellor's trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates is primarily about economic issues. The Greens urge that the restriction of human rights be addressed.
Today Friedrich Merz visits the Gulf region for the first time in his capacity as Chancellor. He hopes for new "strategic partnerships" with the rich oil countries.
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