Doha, HE Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Doha Lothar Freischlader expressed confidence that HE President of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Qatar will further deepen relations between the two countries, especially in light of the strong and trustful relationship.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency , HE the Ambassador said Qatar and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1973, and have not only maintained them over the last 50 years, but continuously expanded it; pointing out that the Federal Republic of Germany cooperates with the State of Qatar in many fields.

Regarding his expectations for the nature of the bilateral talks that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will have with HE President of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier during the visit, HE the Ambassador said: “I am sure that the current conflict in the Middle East and the possible development in the region will be an important topic, adding that other global challenges, e.g. the Russian-Ukraine war might be on the agenda as well.” His Excellency stressed the role played by the State of Qatar as a mediator in resolving conflicts in the region and strengthening bilateral relations between countries, saying: “It is well known, that Qatar plays a very important and even crucial role as a mediator and facilitates not only during conflicts in the region but also to advance bilateral relationships between other countries.” HE the Ambassador also expressed appreciation of Qatar’s recent successful facilitation of the deal between Israel and Hamas which lead to the release of several hostages including German citizens, and the opening of the border for humanitarian aid for Gaza.

“We will never forget Qatars decisive and humanitarian role during the evacuation of German and European nationals from Afghanistan in August 2021 and afterwards. We are very grateful for this support and appreciate Qatars hospitality,” he added.

On the occasion of HE President of the Federal Republic of Germany’s visit to Doha, His Excellency said: “The purpose of the short visit of the German Federal President is not signing new agreements. We already have a good amount of agreements, for instance the partnership on energy or our annual strategic dialogue. Personally, I think we could widen our bilateral activities to climate change and cultural exchange, but also research and scientific cooperation between universities and research institutions.” He pointed out, “Both countries also maintain excellent economic ties; trade and investments play an even stronger role. Qatar is Germanys third largest trading partner in the Gulf region. The bilateral trade volume accumulated to a total of 1.8 billion euros in 2022 (thereof 1.3 billion euros German exports). Qatar (by Qatar Investment Authority and by private investors) holds 17% in Volkswagen, 9% in RWE, 6% in Siemens, over 6% in Deutsche Bank, 9% in CureVac just to name the most important. Altogether Qatars investments (also in hotels, offices etc.) in Germany amount to 25 to 30 billion euros! Quite an impressive figure.” HE the Ambassador stressed that his country is also looking forward to Qatari investments in the climate sector. He added, “But we all know the reports of the IPCC and we therefore are already very aware that more climate action is needed globally. Green hydrogen for example would be without any doubt a decisive step into the long-term future of clean energy supply. In our opinion a country like Qatar could very well use its position as major, global energy supplier to contribute to the global energy transition.” HE the Ambassador said that Qatar and Germany maintain partnerships between various universities and thus enjoy fruitful collaboration in the educational field, adding “With visits from German universities, e.g. the Bavarian university association, whose president is currently visiting Doha as well as Qatars strategic goal to attract more foreign universities to open branches in Qatar, we can further enhance this cooperation.” “We are very proud to have the German International School here in Doha, where children from the age of 3 receive a German education, finishing with the Bilingual IB (International Baccalaureate), granting the students direct access not only to universities worldwide, but also to German universities without further steps like preparatory college, language certificate etc.” “Another important pillar of our foreign cultural policy is the promotion of the German language. At HBKUs German Language Center (TII) students (adults and kids alike) can learn German and obtain language certificates recognized by the German Goethe Institute. Starting this school year, Qatar has introduced German as a Foreign Language at Hassan bin Thabit Secondary School for Boys and will increase the number of schools where German is taught as of the school year 2024/25. Germany has been supporting Qatar in this project from the very beginning. This is in addition to Tariq bin Ziad Independent School for boys, which has joined our network of partner schools almost 10 years ago and students have been learning German as a Foreign Language with the support from Germany.” HE the Ambassador explained that the deep ties are illustrated by the number of bilateral consultations, including the visit of the Federal Minister for Economy and Climate Action Robert Habeck visited Doha in March 2022. The visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in May 2022, where an energy partnership was signed between both countries. Only four months later, in September 2022, the Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid a visit to Doha (in the aftermath an agreement with ConocoPhillips on delivery of Qatari gas was signed in November 2022).

He also highlighted that many German officials attended the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later in 2022. He added that in May 2023, Germanys Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock came to Doha. Also, HH the Amir paid an official visit to Berlin in October 2023 on invitation by the German Olaf Scholz, during which he met also with Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Furthermore, the German Special Envoy for Humanitarian Issues in the Near and Middle East Deike Potzel visited Doha on Nov.5, 2023. Also, Minister of State of the German Federal Foreign Office Tobias Lindner visited Doha on Nov. 19, 2023.

Source: Qatar News Agency