The Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, and his accompanying high-level delegation left the Saudi capital, Riyadh, today (Thursday), after concluding an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during which he held important talks aimed at strengthening the bonds of joint cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Official farewell ceremony at King Khalid International Airport

A formal farewell ceremony was held for the German Chancellor at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Among those bidding him farewell were His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, and His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh. Also present were the Minister of Finance, Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan (the accompanying minister), the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Germany, Mr. Fahd Al-Hathal, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom, Mr. Michael Kindsgrapp, the Acting Director of Riyadh Region Police, Major General Mansour bin Nasser Al-Otaibi, and the Deputy Chief of Royal Protocol, Mr. Fahd Al-Sahil.

Dimensions of the visit and the depth of Saudi-German relations

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Riyadh comes at a crucial time, reflecting the depth of the historical and strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Germany. These relations, spanning decades, have been characterized by mutual respect and constructive cooperation across various fields. Such reciprocal visits between the two countries' leaders are a cornerstone for coordinating positions on global and regional issues, particularly in light of the geopolitical challenges facing the world, thus underscoring the role of Riyadh and Berlin as influential capitals in international decision-making.

Economic partnership and the prospects of Vision 2030

This visit holds significant economic importance, as Germany is a major trading partner for the Kingdom and one of the leading economies in the European Union. In light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, both sides seek to deepen cooperation in vital sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, technology, and industry. The presence of Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan as the accompanying minister reflects the economic weight of the discussions, as German companies look to contribute more to the Kingdom's mega-projects, thus enhancing opportunities for mutual investment and supporting economic diversification plans.

Coordinating efforts to promote regional stability

Politically, Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone of security and stability in the Middle East. Germany highly values ​​the Saudi role in addressing regional crises, combating terrorism, and ensuring the security of global energy supplies. Therefore, the German Chancellor's visit is part of ongoing efforts to align perspectives on pressing regional issues and to work together to support peace and sustainable development, reflecting both countries' commitment to their international responsibilities as active members of the G20.

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a telephone call from His Excellency Abbas Araqchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. These discussions are part of the ongoing communication between the two sides to address issues of mutual interest and strengthen bilateral relations in a way that serves the interests of both countries and their neighboring peoples.

During the call, the two sides discussed a range of regional and international developments currently unfolding in the Middle East. They unequivocally emphasized the need to resolve existing disputes through constructive dialogue and diplomatic means, prioritizing reason and wisdom to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region. The ministers also discussed efforts to maintain regional security and stability, and to ensure the safety of navigation and international waterways, reflecting a shared understanding of the sensitivity of the current situation.

This contact is particularly significant given the recent historical context of relations between Riyadh and Tehran, especially following the agreement reached in Beijing in March 2013, which stipulated the resumption of diplomatic relations and the reopening of embassies. This ongoing communication between the two foreign ministers demonstrates the commitment of both parties to moving forward with the implementation of the agreement's provisions and strengthening confidence-building measures that contribute to a more stable and prosperous regional environment.

Regionally, these talks come at a time when the region is facing complex geopolitical challenges that require close coordination among influential regional powers. Saudi Arabia and Iran, as pivotal states in the Islamic world and the region, bear a significant responsibility in working to contain crises and prevent the escalation of conflicts. Observers note that maintaining open channels of communication between Riyadh and Tehran is a crucial safeguard for de-escalating tensions in several of the region's hotspots.

In conclusion, the contact reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s constant commitment to its diplomatic approach based on building bridges of cooperation and supporting all efforts aimed at establishing the foundations of international security and peace, in order to achieve the developmental aspirations of the peoples of the region, away from the language of confrontation and conflicts.