German President to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Holds the Keys to Regional Solutions

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier  (Asharq Al-Awsat)
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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German President to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Holds the Keys to Regional Solutions

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier  (Asharq Al-Awsat)
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Asharq Al-Awsat)

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in resolving regional crises, affirming that he is looking forward to collaborating with the Saudi leadership in establishing a peaceful and inclusive political process in Syria, and achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

Before leaving Riyadh on Tuesday, as he concluded his visit to the Kingdom, Steinmeier affirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat the strength of Saudi-German relations and the potential for these ties to grow.

"Germany and Saudi Arabia are close partners, and I hope to strengthen our partnership by my visit. This is the first time a German President officially visits Saudi Arabia, and I am deeply grateful for the warm and generous welcome by His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince,” he said. 

Steinmeier further noted that the regional situation in the Middle East is the central topic of his visit and his talks in Riyadh.

"Both Saudi Arabia and Germany have an overwhelming interest in peace and stability in the Middle East. Our close cooperation can help to advance solutions. Together, we work for a peaceful and inclusive political process in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. Together, we work for lasting ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon."

Two-State Solution

"Building on the current ceasefire and hostage release negotiations, I hope for a larger political process that can eventually lead to a two-state solution and normalized relations between Israel and its Arab neighborhood," said Steinmeier.

He also underscored Saudi Arabia’s crucial role in addressing regional issues, saying: "Saudi Arabia holds the keys to many of these regional solutions. That’s why I attach great importance to our conversations with Saudi Arabia and other regional partners in this critical time."

Strategic Relations

The German President highlighted the substantial growth potential in Saudi-German bilateral relations, recalling his frequent visits to Riyadh as Germany’s Foreign Minister.

"I have often been to Riyadh during my time as Foreign Minister. Being back today, almost 10 years later, I am deeply impressed by the transformation, growth, and vibrant energy that can be felt in the streets of Riyadh."

Regarding Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, he said: "I am convinced that German experts and businesses can help to advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in many significant fields: energy and sustainability; innovation, learning and research; arts and culture."

He further emphasized the importance of trade between both countries.

"Germany and Saudi Arabia are already the biggest trading partners between Europe and the Gulf. In a time when political nationalism and economic protectionism are on the rise worldwide, our two countries should be even more determined to expand cross-border trade, investment, and cooperation."



Saudi Crown Prince Receives US Secretary of State in Riyadh

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives US Secretary of State in Riyadh

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received in Riyadh on Monday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the eve of talks on Ukraine.

Rubio had arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday to prepare for the talks and plan the anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump and Putin have agreed to kick of peace talks about Ukraine that will be attended by Crown Prince Mohammed.

Saudi and American officials will discuss bilateral relations and regional cooperation, as well as efforts to push forward peace and stability in the region.

The State Department had said Rubio’s visit to the region will “promote US interests in advancing regional cooperation, stability, and peace.”

“The trip will center on freeing American and all other hostages from Hamas captivity, advancing to Phase II of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and countering the destabilizing activities of the Iranian regime and its proxies,” it said in a statement.