German Chancellor arrives in Riyadh: Official visit to strengthen Saudi partnership
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his accompanying delegation arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, today for an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The visit aims to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and discuss issues of mutual interest. This visit comes at a significant time, reflecting the depth of diplomatic and economic relations between the two friendly countries.
Among those who welcomed the German Chancellor at King Khalid International Airport were His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, and His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh. Also present were the Minister of Finance, Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan (the accompanying minister), clearly indicating the economic dimensions of this visit; Mr. Fahd Al-Hathal, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Germany; Mr. Michael Kindsgrapp, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom; Major General Mansour bin Nasser Al-Otaibi, Acting Director of the Riyadh Region Police; and Mr. Fahd Al-Sahil, Undersecretary of Royal Protocol.
The depth and history of Saudi-German relations
Relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Germany are based on a long historical legacy of friendship and cooperation, dating back to the Treaty of Friendship signed in 1929. These relations have developed significantly over the decades to encompass strategic partnerships in various fields. Berlin views Riyadh as a pivotal partner in the Middle East, not only for its political and religious weight, but also for its leading role in the G20 and its direct influence on the stability of global energy markets.
The importance of the visit in light of Vision 2030
This visit is particularly significant given the Kingdom's ambitious development initiatives under "Saudi Vision 2030." Germany, as Europe's largest economy and a leader in industry, technology, and renewable energy, is an ideal partner for the Kingdom in its economic diversification journey. Cooperation in green hydrogen, clean energy, and advanced industrial technologies is expected to top the agenda, as the Kingdom seeks to localize German technologies and leverage the extensive engineering expertise of German companies.
Regional and international impact
At both the regional and international levels, the German Chancellor's visit comes at a time when the region and the world are facing geopolitical challenges that necessitate high-level coordination among influential powers. The Kingdom plays a vital role in promoting security and stability in the Middle East, making ongoing consultations with the German leadership essential for aligning perspectives on current issues, thereby serving international peace and security and enhancing opportunities for economic cooperation between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
