German chancellor, Saudi crown prince discuss energy, defence security in Riyadh

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has met Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in Riyadh, signalling a renewed effort to strengthen relations with the oil-rich Gulf state.

The two-and-a-half-hour discussions, held before and during a dinner at the King’s official palace, were described by German officials as “cordial and open,” Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Key topics included expanding economic ties, with a focus on energy, defence, technology, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. The leaders also touched on regional security issues, including the situations in Iran, Syria, and Sudan.

The meeting marks the first stop of Merz’s three-day Gulf tour, which will also include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The tour aims to bolster Germany’s partnerships with the region’s most economically and politically influential states.

Merz was received with military honours at the Yamama Palace, the King’s official residence. His host, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, remains a controversial figure internationally. The Crown Prince was widely condemned in the West following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, with US intelligence implicating him in the killing—a claim he denies.

The Khashoggi case led to years of strained relations between Germany and Saudi Arabia. While former Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the issue during a 2022 visit, current engagements suggest the case has faded from official diplomatic agendas.

Chancellor Merz indicated plans to significantly expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including a proposed strategic partnership focusing on security and energy. Defence exports, previously paused due to Saudi Arabia’s role in the Yemen conflict, are expected to largely resume, with the Kingdom reportedly interested in military transport aircraft such as the A400M.

Despite these developments, arms deals remain contentious due to ongoing human rights concerns. Merz stated that Germany would continue to raise such issues with its Gulf partners, while stressing that the states should not be placed under “blanket suspicion.”

Merz will continue his tour in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to deepen collaboration across the Gulf. “We will be able to safeguard and enhance our freedom, security, and prosperity in the long term through such partnerships,” he said.

Acknowledging differences in values and interests, the Chancellor added: “They may not share all our values, but they do share an understanding that an order based on trust and mutual respect is essential.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev