Germany’s Merz eyes closer economic ties with Gulf states

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is seeking to deepen economic ties with the Gulf states, as he sets his sights on a possible trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

“Germany is held in very high regard here, partly because we are a good place to invest,” Merz said in Abu Dhabi, the third stop on his trip to the Gulf region after Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The chancellor said he had been surprised by the sharp increase in investment figures and the significant increase in orders in a large number of companies, adding that this development encourages him to push ahead with reforms for investment conditions and jobs in Germany.

Germany is expected to take on a significant degree of leadership in the European Union, Merz said.

“And what is needed above all in a world of great uncertainty is reliability and consistency, including in bilateral relations.”

“We are a country that is reliable. We are a country that is prepared to cooperate more closely in foreign trade policy, including a possible trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates,” Merz continued, adding that talks on such a deal are currently taking place.