Germany and Qatar to Deepen Economic Ties as Scholz Hosts Emir in Berlin
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will welcome Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Meseberg Castle on Tuesday for high-level talks aimed at enhancing economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The meeting comes as Germany seeks to deepen its partnership with the energy-rich Gulf state, which has become increasingly important since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine prompted Berlin to diversify its energy sources.
Qatar, a major investor in the German economy, is also a potential partner in taking over a stake in Berlin’s Schwedt refinery, previously controlled by Russia’s Rosneft. This potential deal will be a key topic of discussion during the talks.
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Beyond energy and trade, the two leaders are expected to address global security issues, with Qatar positioning itself as a key mediator in the Middle East, notably in conflicts involving Hamas and Israel.
The meeting will also feature Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi and Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, head of the Qatar Investment Authority, which holds significant stakes in major German companies such as Deutsche Bank, RWE, and Volkswagen.
The partnership between the two countries has grown since the Ukraine crisis, with a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal signed in 2022, ensuring Qatar’s role in Germany’s energy future. However, concerns remain over Qatar’s human rights record, a subject highlighted during the 2022 World Cup.
