Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Prime Minister Qatar and HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday on developing deliberate dialogue between the two nations.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the exceptional development in the bilateral relations between Qatar and Germany in different areas since the beginning of their diplomatic ties in 1973.
The PM said that the discussions covered various topics like strengthening cooperation and improving relations in sectors ranging from energy, education, and environment; it also covered regional peace and security issues.
Qatar and Germany enjoy healthy diplomatic ties, and their economic partnership is based on commercial agreements among their companies. The Qatari-German partnership in the gas industry is based upon mutually negotiated long-term contracts. Similarly, Qatari companies have negotiated agreements with other European nations as well.
In recent times, Qatar has formulated its energy policy surrounding its business interests. It has accordingly signed agreements with a group of German companies to provide energy.
The PM has said that Qatar is open to improving cooperation in the energy sector and at the diplomatic level to boost cooperation in the energy industry and energy transition policies.
He added that energy transition is a global priority, and nations need to play according to their standards and requirements, which widely vary from nation to nation. There is a possibility of cooperation and improvement of capabilities for all the nations to secure their energy transition upon mutually decided frameworks to achieve the national and international interests of the European Union countries.
The German representative Annalean Baerbock appreciated the developments in bilateral relations and said both sides had opened discussions to boost cooperation by setting up strategic dialogues.
Baerbock also said that Doha and Berlin would continue to collaborate to secure the energy supplies, and both nations are eager to develop such economic partnerships. She later added for the enhancement of global cooperation in the renewable energy sector too.
Backdrop
Back in late May 2011, Qatar and Germany signed a manifesto to strengthen their energy cooperation. This was at a time when Europe’s biggest economy was searching for a suitable alternative for the crumpled supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen from Russia due to its conflict with Ukraine.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck welcomed the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for signing the deal in March. As per sources, this agreement does not include long-term LNG deals as Germany is unwilling to fully commit itself to Qatar’s demands for a 20-year deal. Such a deal would significantly reduce their dependence on Russian gas.
Other Dialogues
The MoU stated various diverse topics upon which discussions were held. It ranged from human rights to migrant issues to the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the Syrian crisis.
The PM expressed Qatar’s views on the Syrian crisis and that the only possible way to improve relations with the Syrian regime is through finding a common and fairground for solutions to develop methods to tackle the Syrian issue. They look forward to a political solution based on UN resolution no.2254.
Baerbock said that the meetings with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the political and economic issues regarding the peace and stability in their neighbourhood, the Russo-Ukraine issue.
She also pointed out that they have a united stand on the concerns relating to political stability in the Middle Eastern region along with Europe. This was specifically discussed due to the current developments in Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.
She highlighted the works of Qatar in the field of human rights about the betterment of conditions for the workers and especially its cooperation with the International Labor Organisation.
The biggest European economy is seeking new foreign direct investments, and her visit to Qatar justifies it. Berlin would welcome foreign investments in fair rules and regulations set by the World Trade Organisation and the framework for law of the United Nations. This would make such investments sustainable and a win-win scenario for both parties. She also hinted at her efforts towards improving the relations between the European nations and GCC for economic benefits.