Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is set to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Tuesday for talks aimed at boosting economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations. The meeting, taking place at Meseberg Castle just north of Berlin, underscores the growing importance of Qatar as a strategic partner for Germany, especially in energy.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germany has sought alternative energy sources, turning to Qatar’s rich reserves of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Qatar, already a significant investor in Germany, is now exploring further investments, including a potential stake in Berlin’s Schwedt refinery, previously linked to Russia’s Rosneft.
In addition to energy, the discussions will focus on regional security and global issues. Qatar has been instrumental in mediating in the Middle East, particularly between Hamas and Israel, and has assisted in relocating some Afghans from Germany.
The emir will be accompanied by Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi and Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, head of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Investment Authority. The fund has invested in major German companies such as Deutsche Bank, RWE, and Volkswagen.
Qatar’s LNG deal with Germany, signed in 2022, will see deliveries start in 2026, ensuring a 15-year energy partnership. However, the relationship has faced criticism over Qatar’s human rights record, particularly during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Doha is actively working to reshape its image, hosting cultural and media events in Germany to address these concerns.
