US Edition
Merz Seeks New Strategic Partnerships During Three-State Gulf Visit
Merz aims to reduce Germany's 94% U.S. LNG dependence by securing long-term supply deals and expanding defense and industrial cooperation with key Gulf states.
- 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.
97 Articles
97 Articles
Germany is ready to establish more intensive cooperation in the defense field with reliable partners from the Gulf region, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, than in previous years, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced today during a visit to Qatar, reports the German press agency dpa.
Chancellor Merz is offering weapons in exchange for liquefied gas on the Arabian Peninsula.
Human rights issues were raised behind closed doors during his visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Natural gas from Qatar, arms deals with Saudi Arabia: Friedrich Merz makes a turnaround in foreign policy – because he can no longer trust the Americans.
Money, LPG and geopolitics: Signs of changing global order from Merz’s Saudi visit
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE to boost trade and energy cooperation while seeking to reduce Berlin’s dependence on US liquefied natural gas.
German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz is visiting three countries of the Arabian Peninsula in 72 hours. There, as previously in India, they will seek "strategic partnerships". And that has to do with the insanity of the United States.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
