AI SUMMARY – What you should know before reading
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun his first visit to the Gulf region.
- Talks in Riyadh focused on economic, energy and security cooperation.
- Germany aims to strengthen ties with oil- and gas-rich Gulf states.
- The visit reflects a pragmatic shift in Berlin’s foreign policy.
Main Article
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has launched his first official visit to the Arabian Peninsula, signaling a renewed German focus on strategic partnerships in the Gulf. In Riyadh, Merz met with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, pledging to elevate bilateral relations to what he described as a “new level.”
According to DPA, the talks lasted more than two hours and centered primarily on economic cooperation. Energy security, defense ties, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence featured prominently, alongside discussions about regional stability and Iran’s role in the Middle East.
The Saudi stop marks the beginning of a three-day tour of the Gulf. Merz is scheduled to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring Germany’s intention to engage more deeply with key regional players that hold significant influence over global energy markets.
Merz emphasized that Germany needs strong partnerships at a time when global power politics are increasingly shaped by major powers. Accompanied by a large business delegation, the chancellor made clear that economic interests are central to Berlin’s Gulf outreach.
Relations between Saudi Arabia and Western nations were severely strained after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. In recent years, however, many governments have adopted a more pragmatic stance, prioritizing stability, energy cooperation and strategic alignment.
Germany’s approach reflects this shift. While human rights concerns remain part of the broader dialogue, they no longer dominate the agenda. Instead, Berlin is focusing on long-term strategic cooperation, particularly in energy and technology, as Europe recalibrates its global partnerships.
Merz’s visit highlights how geopolitical realities are reshaping European diplomacy, with Gulf states emerging as indispensable partners in an increasingly multipolar world.