Khaberni - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived on Wednesday evening in the Saudi capital Riyadh, as part of a tour that will take him to Doha and Abu Dhabi.
The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the German Chancellor met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh and they held talks, without providing more details.
The agency mentioned that the German Chancellor and his accompanying delegation arrived in Riyadh on an official visit to the Kingdom, without specifying the duration of the visit.
Last Monday, the German government television website stated that Merz will start a tour on Wednesday that includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, aiming to explore cooperation in the energy and arms sectors.
Prior to his departure to the Saudi capital, Merz announced his desire to deepen the strategic partnership with the Gulf region, due to its "significant economic and political importance."
Merz stated in Berlin on Wednesday evening: "We need such partnerships more than ever in a time when the dominance of great powers in politics is increasing. We will be able to protect and enhance our freedom, security, and prosperity in the long term more effectively if we have such partnerships."
He pointed out that these partners might not share all values and interests with Germany, "but they share with us the realization that we need a system based on understandings and dealing with each other respectfully."
Merz saw that the partnership with the Gulf countries opens opportunities for Germany to diversify its oil and gas supply chains.
