The relationship between Qatar and Germany is strong and trustful, with the recent visit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Germany further strengthening bilateral ties. The visit is part of a series of mutual visits on the highest level between the two countries, with the most recent ones occurring in October 2023 when the Amir visited Berlin. President of Germany H E Frank-Walter Steinmeier also visited Doha in November 2023, reflecting the intensity of the high-level relationship with over five decades of fruitful collaboration.
Trade and investments play a significant role in the relationship between Qatar and Germany, with Qatar being the third-largest trading partner for Germany in the Gulf region. The bilateral trade volume in 2023 totaled ¤1.8bn, with Qatar holding investments in various German companies such as Volkswagen, RWE, Siemens, Deutsche Bank, and CureVac. Qatar has invested between ¤25bn to ¤30bn in Germany, highlighting the importance of the economic ties between the two countries. The German Ambassador also expressed hope for Qatari investments in the climate sector, particularly in green hydrogen, given Qatar’s position as a major global energy supplier.
The Qatari government’s significant investments in education, research, and innovation were also highlighted by the German Ambassador, citing the establishment of first-class universities in Doha. These investments demonstrate Qatar’s commitment to developing its human capital and fostering innovation in various sectors. Furthermore, the Ambassador commended Qatar for its mediation efforts, particularly in the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, has been working tirelessly to achieve a much-needed ceasefire in these conflict-ridden regions.
Germany fully supports Qatar’s mediation efforts and appreciates the country’s dedication to achieving peace in the region. The collaborative efforts between Qatar, Egypt, and the United States demonstrate the importance of diplomatic solutions to complex conflicts. The German Ambassador thanked Qatar for its hard work and commitment to resolving these conflicts, noting the significant impact that Qatar’s efforts have had in advancing peace and stability in the region.
Overall, the relationship between Qatar and Germany is characterized by mutual respect, trust, and cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investments, education, and peace mediation. The recent high-level visits between the two countries underscore the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties and continue to strengthen the partnership. As Qatar continues to invest in education, research, and innovation, and play a significant role in global energy markets, Germany stands ready to support and collaborate with Qatar in achieving mutual goals and addressing regional challenges.