"The trip comes on the back of visits to Africa and Latin America at the end of last year and after a trip to India in January (see video), as Merz looks to strengthen Germany's partnerships with counties outside the European Union and NATO. "We want to intensify our relationships with countries who want to work with us and who have comparable perceptions of rules-based international trade," said a government spokesman."
"Since the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE have become key players in global trade and foreign affairs. Indeed, the latest round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, are set to take place in Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital, on Wednesday and Thursday, before Merz's arrival there on Friday. Neither Germany (nor any European countries) are involved in those talks, but all three Gulf countries are key export markets for the German arms industry."
Friedrich Merz embarked on a three-day trip to the Gulf region to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The trip follows visits to Africa, Latin America and India as part of efforts to strengthen Germany's partnerships with countries outside the European Union and NATO. Germany seeks to intensify relationships with partners that want to work with it and that hold comparable perceptions of rules-based international trade. Agenda items in the Gulf include oil and gas supplies, arms exports and diplomatic engagement on the Palestinian territories, Iran and Ukraine. Abu Dhabi will host US-mediated Russia–Ukraine talks before Merz's arrival. All three Gulf states are significant export markets for the German arms industry, and Qatar plays a role in Afghan repatriation.
Read at www.dw.com
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