German Chancellor in Saudi Arabia: Strengthening the partnership and Vision 2030
Saudi-German relations are witnessing a new era of prosperity and strategic cooperation, culminating in the visit of the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in February 2025. This visit underscores the depth of the ties between the two friendly nations and reflects Germany's profound appreciation for the pivotal role played by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect him – in shaping the features of the new Middle East and leading the Kingdom towards broader economic and political horizons.
Historical and strategic dimensions of relations
This visit is not a fleeting event, but rather an extension of a long history of robust diplomatic and economic relations between Berlin and Riyadh. The current talks are of paramount importance given the sensitive time the world is experiencing, as the Kingdom emerges as a pillar of regional stability and a reliable partner for major powers in addressing complex issues. Germany, as Europe's largest economy, views the Kingdom as an indispensable partner in the areas of energy security and digital transformation, making coordination between the two leaderships an urgent necessity to ensure the stability of global markets and maintain international peace and security.
An economic partnership that goes beyond traditional figures
The discussions transcended traditional frameworks to focus on shaping the future, as both countries—active members of the G20—seek to maximize the immense investment opportunities offered by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. These efforts have resulted in significant growth in trade, reaching $11.3 billion in 2024, with positive indicators for 2025. The Saudi-German Joint Committee, co-chaired by the finance and economy ministers from both sides, is working to remove obstacles for the private sector, paving the way for strategic acquisitions such as the Public Investment Fund’s investment in German autonomous vehicle technologies and Saudi Arabian Airlines’ purchase of electric aircraft from Lilium, reflecting a drive towards localizing technology and smart transportation.
Hydrogen Bridge: A Clean Energy Bet
In the energy sector, the Kingdom and Germany are leading a global transformation through the "Green Hydrogen Bridge." Agreements signed between the two sides, including cooperation between ACWA Power and German energy companies, represent a proactive step to secure Europe's clean energy needs, with the Kingdom aiming to export 200,000 tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This collaboration not only strengthens the Kingdom's position as a leading source of renewable energy but also supports Germany's strategy to diversify its energy sources and protect the climate.
Political visions convergence
On the political front, the visit demonstrated a significant convergence of views on regional issues, most notably the Palestinian question. Both sides agree that the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state are fundamental to achieving a just and comprehensive peace, reflecting both countries' commitment to international law and the right of peoples to self-determination.
