During his visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the past two days, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised to intensify cooperation on armaments supply. Which weapons systems were under consideration for delivery by Germany were not specified, but Helmut Diehl, the CEO of Diehl Defense, a leading figure in a German firm producing guided missiles, was accompanying Merz on his visit.
Merz also wants to intensify civilian economic relations. He pointed out that German exports have so far mainly comprised machinery and chemical products, but that the aim is to achieve more. The Chancellor wants to work more closely with the Persian Gulf states on energy supply. He explained that Germany currently imports 2 million tons of liquefied gas per year from Qatar. This amount must be increased in order to reduce dependencies and ensure a reliable energy supply in Germany, Merz also stressed
