German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed strengthening bilateral ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. The talks focused on economic issues like energy and technology, as well as regional conflicts. Merz aims to elevate the partnership to a new level, including less restrictive arms exports.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz traveled to the Gulf region with an economic delegation and met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. The two-and-a-half-hour talks before and during a dinner at the royal palace were "cordial and open," according to the delegation. Merz emphasized wanting to elevate relations with the oil-rich Gulf state to "a new level".
The discussions primarily covered expanding economic ties in areas such as energy, environment, defense, technology, medicine, digital infrastructure, and AI. They also addressed the conflict in Iran, the situation in Syria, and the civil war in Sudan.
Saudi Arabia is the first stop on a three-day trip that includes Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Merz was received with military honors at the Yamama Palace. The crown prince, often called MBS, faced international isolation after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. US intelligence held him responsible, which he denies. The crisis in German-Saudi relations was resolved in 2022 during Olaf Scholz's visit, when he raised the case.
Today, the murder case appears resolved; US President Donald Trump recently defended MBS, saying he "knew nothing." Merz plans an agreement on a strategic partnership in security and energy. Arms exports, halted due to the Yemen war, are to be handled less restrictively; Saudi Arabia is interested in the A400M transport aircraft.
Despite reforms, the kingdom faces criticism for human rights violations. Merz indicated he would address this: "But we do not put the Gulf states under general suspicion. Where we see problems, we seek dialogue and raise the issues." On Thursday, he continues to Qatar and the UAE. "We will be better able to preserve and enhance our freedom, security, and prosperity in the long term if we have such partnerships," he said.
