German Chancellor Begins Tour to Restore Relations with the Gulf

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz boarding a place (dpa)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz boarding a place (dpa)
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German Chancellor Begins Tour to Restore Relations with the Gulf

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz boarding a place (dpa)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz boarding a place (dpa)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will begin a two-day tour of Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, on Saturday.

A German official said that the three Gulf countries are "important regional partners," and Berlin enjoys economic relations with the Gulf countries beyond energy.

Observers saw the chancellor's visit as a "turning point" amid Germany's aim to restore and correct relations with the Gulf states, which was also reflected in local parliamentary demands.

The German chancellor's office has been preparing for the vital visit for days, and he will be accompanied by a sizeable industry delegation seeking to invest in the three countries. The office also invited interested companies to escort Schultz on his trip.

Since Russia cut off gas, Germany has searched for alternative energy markets.

The official said that Germany wants to extend its cooperation with the three Gulf countries in renewable energy, such as green hydrogen, which Germany could import in vast quantities from the Gulf states.

He referred to "ambitious contracts" expected to be signed during the visit related to liquefied gas and hydrogen.

Berlin also wants to extend cooperation on new technologies such as green hydrogen produced using renewable energy, which Germany could import in vast quantities from the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and UAE, said government sources.

Germany and the Gulf countries have common interests in maintaining the stability and security of the region, said the official.

Saudi Arabia, a country that enjoys a regional power, began a journey of reforms and openness, and Germany and Western countries want to accompany and encourage them on this journey.

He noted that meetings in Riyadh would address the Yemeni crisis and the Iranian nuclear talks, the peace process in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and its impact on the Middle East region.

Recently, German parties called on the government to take "the Gulf countries' fears of Iran more seriously."

During a Gulf-German conference held in Berlin a few days ago, a German lawmaker of the Green Party admitted that her country "did not understand the extent of the Iranian threats" to the Gulf states.

She also addressed Iran's role in Yemen, which "made it difficult to end the war there."

The former head of the German intelligence called on Berlin to support Saudi Arabia, which supports the legitimate government in Yemen.

Germany has periodically hosted secret talks between the Yemeni parties, with the participation of Houthi representatives, sponsored by a non-governmental organization coordinating efforts with the German Foreign Ministry.

The talks yielded nothing, but Germany adhered to its diplomatic efforts to stop the war in Yemen.



Arab Parliament Speaker Stresses Need for Solidarity to Confront Regional Challenges

Arab Parliament Speaker Stresses Need for Solidarity to Confront Regional Challenges
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Arab Parliament Speaker Stresses Need for Solidarity to Confront Regional Challenges

Arab Parliament Speaker Stresses Need for Solidarity to Confront Regional Challenges

Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed Al-Yamahi stressed the importance of solidarity, unity of ranks, positions, and voices, and strengthening consensus among Arab countries in addressing the growing challenges and risks facing the region, which require greater solidarity, cohesion, and joint Arab action now more than ever.

He made the remarks today during the preparatory committee meeting for the Eighth Conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments, which is being held in partnership with the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, SPA reported.

Al-Yamahi explained that this year's conference is being convened at a critical and exceptional stage for the Arab nation, requiring the highest levels of coordination, consultation, and unified positions on issues and challenges affecting the Arab world's present and future.

He noted that the conference will address several strategic issues, foremost among them the serious developments surrounding the Palestinian cause, the Arab world's primary concern.

It will also discuss recent highly dangerous security developments in the region and Iranian attacks against Arab states, as well as the topic of enhancing Arab digital sovereignty, which has emerged as a strategic issue driven by rapid digital transformation.

He said the issue calls for the development of a unified Arab parliamentary vision that protects Arab interests, strengthens digital security, and supports sustainable development efforts.


Saudi FM Holds Talks with Turkish, Kyrgyz Counterparts

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chairs his delegation's a meeting of foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chairs his delegation's a meeting of foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP)
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Saudi FM Holds Talks with Turkish, Kyrgyz Counterparts

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chairs his delegation's a meeting of foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chairs his delegation's a meeting of foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call today from his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

They discussed regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

Prince Faisal also held telephone talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart Zheenbek Kulubaev.

Pince Faisal congratulated him on the election of Kyrgyzstan as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, hoping it will contribute in supporting the council’s efforts to promote international peace and security.

They also reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them across various fields and discussed regional and international developments and efforts made in this regard.


Mohamed bin Zayed, Rubio Discuss Middle East Developments

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet on Wednesday. (WAM)
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet on Wednesday. (WAM)
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Mohamed bin Zayed, Rubio Discuss Middle East Developments

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet on Wednesday. (WAM)
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet on Wednesday. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting the UAE as part of a tour of the Middle East.

They reviewed strategic cooperation between the UAE and US and discussed ways to further strengthen coordination across various fields in support of shared interests, reported the UAE’s state news agency WAM.

The meeting addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a focus on developments in the Middle East.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Marco Rubio underscored the importance of advancing the foundations of security, stability, and lasting peace across the region.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; and a number of officials.