German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: We Care About the Path of Reform in Saudi Arabia, Ready to Support it

The spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in the Middle East and North Africa, Dennis Kumetat. (German Information Center)
The spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in the Middle East and North Africa, Dennis Kumetat. (German Information Center)
TT

German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: We Care About the Path of Reform in Saudi Arabia, Ready to Support it

The spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in the Middle East and North Africa, Dennis Kumetat. (German Information Center)
The spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in the Middle East and North Africa, Dennis Kumetat. (German Information Center)

The spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in the Middle East and North Africa, Dennis Kumetat, stressed that Germany and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share a “deep” partnership.

“Berlin is following with interest the political and social reform processes initiated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, which would modernize the state, especially the role of women,” pointed out Kumetat.

Kumetat expressed his country’s “readiness to support Saudi Arabia in taking more steps on this path.”

“The kingdom plays a major role in regional politics in many respects and is, therefore, an important dialogue partner for Berlin,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“We welcome the increasingly constructive Saudi role, as well as the efforts of the (Gulf Cooperation Council) regarding its policy towards Yemen.”

Furthermore, Kumetat described the economic partnership between Berlin and Riyadh as “close.”

He pointed to the “increasing” presence of German companies in the Kingdom, adding that Germany welcomes Riyadh becoming a global player in modern and sustainable energy production.

“Goals of expanding renewable energies by 2030 to reach 30% of the electricity mix are very ambitious, and Germany is happy to provide support in this field,” revealed Kumetat.

The official spokesman also referred to what he described as a “special partnership” with Riyadh in the field of hydrogen, especially since Berlin relies on importing green hydrogen to achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2045.

“Saudi Arabia has excellent capabilities for producing and exporting hydrogen,” said Kumetat.

As for Iran, Kumetat said his country was closely watching internal and external developments with “grave concern.”

“The regime in Tehran is under great pressure from its people to open up, but it does not respond to that with dialogue, but rather with brutal repression, arbitrariness, and violence,” noted Kumetat, adding that Germany denounces the Iranian regime’s oppression of its people.

Kumetat also referred to his country’s condemnation of Iran’s “problematic role” in the region, especially in countries like Syria and Iraq.

He also voiced Germany’s concern about the “increasing long-term moves of Iran’s nuclear policy” and stressed the need for action “to avoid a nuclear escalation.”

“It is understandable for Arab Gulf states to view Tehran with great skepticism,” said Kumetat, adding that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had discussed the matter in detail with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the Munich Security Conference.

“Germany will continue to rely on diplomacy and political solutions in this regard,” emphasized Kumetat.

“It is important that the channels of dialogue remain open despite the tensions,” he added.

Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, Kumetat stressed that “only Ukraine decides whether and when negotiations will take place.”

The German spokesman stressed that Ukrainians were defending themselves against Russia, which had invaded their lands.

According to Kumetat, the German chancellor had repeatedly stressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin the need to end this “illegal war of aggression.”

Concerning the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Middle, Kumetat reiterated the German government’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution and said that Berlin has strong relations with both warring parties.

He also stressed that Germany shares significant relations with primary international players involved in the conflict.

“It is important for Germany that the two parties continue to pursue the possibility of achieving a two-state solution based on the Oslo agreement.”

On the Syrian issue, Kumetat stressed that “Germany will not abandon the people in Syria.”

Syrians have suffered from war and its consequences for over a decade.

“Germany is the second largest donor to Syria, as it provided more than 1.8 billion euros last year alone,” reminded Kumetat.

Given the earthquake disaster that struck parts of northern Syria, Berlin has upped its humanitarian commitment in the war-torn country by 50 million euros.

“We will continue to look further into the future and help where it is most needed,” asserted Kumetat.

On whether the earthquake catastrophe has created a new dynamic for the possibility of normalizing relations with the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Kumetat said: “Assad’s regime has been responsible for a brutal war against its people for more than a decade.”

“The only way to normalize ties is through the regime providing significant and verifiable political concessions within the framework of the UN-led Geneva process,” explained Kumetat.



Yemen Defense Minister: Houthi Attacks May Persist Even After Gaza War Ends

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Yemen Defense Minister: Houthi Attacks May Persist Even After Gaza War Ends

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemen’s Defense Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri, does not expect Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea to stop even if the Gaza war ends. He also warns of rising tensions in the region, which could lead to a major conflict.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Daeri affirmed close coordination between Yemeni forces and the Saudi-led Arab Coalition. He praised Saudi Arabia’s key role in the coalition, highlighting its continuous support for Yemen.

Al-Daeri said there has been significant progress in unifying government-aligned military forces, with committees set up by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) establishing a joint operations authority.

Despite challenges, he remains optimistic that these efforts will help unify the military command against the common enemy — Yemen’s Houthi militias.

Al-Daeri warned that Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea are a serious threat to Yemen and the region. He noted that the Houthis are using these attacks to distract from their internal problems and are trying to capitalize on Yemeni sympathy for Palestine by claiming support for Gaza.

He added that the Houthis are unlikely to stop targeting international shipping, even if the Gaza war ends, and are constantly seeking new alliances with terrorist groups to strengthen their position.

Al-Daeri, accused Iran of fueling instability in Yemen by supporting Houthi militias for years, smuggling weapons and military experts to spread chaos without regard for regional stability.

On US relations, Al-Daeri said ties are good but military cooperation remains limited. He noted that US military aid, suspended in 2014, has not yet returned to previous levels.

Al-Daeri said his visit to Saudi Arabia was part of ongoing coordination with the Joint Operations Command and the Saudi Ministry of Defense to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.

During his “productive” visit, Al-Daeri met with several military leaders, congratulated the new commander of the Joint Operations, Lt. Gen. Fahd Al-Salman, and held talks with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Defense and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.

Al-Daeri emphasized the strong defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly during Yemen’s war in recent years.

He noted that the high level of coordination with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Arab Coalition members has significantly improved regional military readiness.

Al-Daeri said relations with Saudi Arabia are growing stronger, with both countries working closely together to fulfill their missions in the region.

He described defense cooperation as being at its peak, praising Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Arab Coalition.

“Saudi Arabia has always provided full support—military, financial, and moral. As the region’s strongest power, they have supported Yemen not just with resources, but also with strategic expertise and by fighting alongside us, even sacrificing their lives for our cause,” Al-Daeri told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He said Houthi militias have taken advantage of the ceasefire and the Saudi-led initiative, which later became a UN effort, to conduct hostile activities and assert their presence.

He referred to the Houthis’ actions as creating a “massive prison” for millions of Yemenis who do not want to live in their controlled areas.

Al-Daeri, described the situation in the region as dangerous, pointing to recent events in Gaza and Lebanon as signs of increasing tensions. He warned of the risk of an unprecedented regional war due to the rising violence and conflicts.

“What is happening is very alarming, especially with the recent events, including terrorist militias in Yemen, the unacceptable violence in Gaza over the past year, and the situation in southern Lebanon. This all signals the risk of an unusual war,” said al-Daeri.

Regarding potential outcomes, al-Daeri noted that Yemeni forces are ready for both war and peace. He acknowledged significant efforts to achieve peace but warned that renewed conflict could occur at any moment. He also pointed out ongoing provocations from Houthis, which continue to lead to casualties.

"We are ready for all options and have comprehensive strategic plans for deploying our forces. The past two years have seen a ceasefire, and the Arab Coalition is making significant efforts to achieve peace rather than resorting to war. However, this does not mean that conflict won’t resume; it could restart at any time,” explained al-Daeri.

“Despite the ceasefire and the presence of our forces, the legitimate troops have not fired back, yet the militias provoke us daily, resulting in casualties,” he added.

“Patience is a key quality of the legitimate authority in Yemen, led by Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and his colleagues in the Presidential Leadership Council. This patience reflects our readiness for the moment of truth, whether for peace or war—we are prepared,” asserted al-Daeri.