German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Qatar on 25 September to engage in talks with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani over the expansion of bilateral relations in various fields, such as economy, sports, culture, and education.

During a joint press conference, Al-Thani stressed that Berlin is one of Doha’s biggest investors and highlighted that the kingdom has been planning to expand the North Gas Field in response to the global energy crisis.

The two leaders went on to discuss regional and international developments, with both sides expressing their desire to see an end to the war in Ukraine, as well as supporting efforts in reaching an agreement with Iran on its nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Scholz and Al-Thani both agreed that achieving the two would “ensure security and stability” across West Asia.

Scholz’s tour is part of Germany’s latest efforts to diversify its energy supply, amidst a worsening fuel crisis in the EU due to aggressive sanctions placed on Russia’s energy sector.

He previously met with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) and Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Earlier this week, Scholz remarked that he will sign several liquified gas (LNG) supply contracts with Qatar and the UAE, as Berlin hopes to replace Russian gas with other supply routes.

The loss of Russian fuel has pushed several German industries to the brink of collapse, and it has also forced Berlin to nationalize one of the nation’s main energy providers to save it from bankruptcy.