German lawmakers call for deeper partnership with Gulf countries
In Germany, Bundestag members working on relations with Arab countries have called for developing a partnership with the Persian Gulf states that goes beyond trade and energy. They propose strengthening cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, The National reports.
Alexander Radwan, head of the parliamentary group for relations with Arab countries and a representative of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc, said there was a need for better mutual understanding between Germany and the countries of the region. On Monday, he met in Berlin with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Education and cultural ties
Radwan believes Germany can contribute to the region's development through the economy, technology, research and, above all, educational cooperation. According to him, during visits to the United Arab Emirates, he saw universities from various countries around the world, but no German ones.
The lawmaker also stressed that deeper relations should involve Europe's and Germany's willingness to better understand and respect the Middle East and its faith. Lamya Kaddor, a lawmaker from the opposition Green Party, called for offering the countries of the region a long-term strategic partnership rather than merely commenting on changes in the Middle East. In her view, such cooperation should include cultural contacts as well as links between startups and research institutes.
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Security and energy
Germany and the UAE already have close economic ties. They are expected to be among the topics of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed's state visit to Berlin. Germany is interested in importing natural gas and hydrogen from the Gulf countries.
Radwan linked the need for a new partnership format to shared security challenges. According to him, hostilities are continuing near Germany — in Ukraine, where Russia, an aggressor state, is waging war — as well as near the Gulf countries, in Iran. He noted that Germany and the Gulf states are rethinking security policy, which for a long time relied heavily on the United States.
Kaddor said that the security of sea routes in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a vital economic interest for both Germany and the Gulf states. She also stressed the need to turn trust in Germany in the region into political influence.
