German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday as part of his ongoing Gulf tour aimed at bolstering cooperation with regional powers in the energy and arms sectors. Merz, who flew in from Saudi Arabia, was warmly welcomed at Hamad International Airport by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani.
During his previous stop in Riyadh, Merz held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in energy and arms trade. While details of the discussions were not fully disclosed, the talks are seen as part of Germany’s efforts to enhance its presence in the Gulf region’s vital energy markets and arms industry.
The Chancellor’s tour also includes a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates. This diplomatic effort is aimed at fostering deeper ties with these Gulf states, ensuring a steady flow of energy supplies and increasing arms cooperation.
Merz’s visit to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE highlights Germany’s strategic interest in the Middle East, reflecting the region’s growing importance in global energy and security matters.
