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Chancellor Scholz with Emir Tamim in Berlin
Photo:
Michael Sohn/AP
In order to become independent of Russian energy, the federal government is relying on Qatar.
According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the emirate should play a central role in the supply of LNG gas.
The SPD politician said after a meeting with the country's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, that relations are also to be expanded in the area of high technology.
Sheikh Tamim pointed to an expansion of gas production, which could hopefully lead to deliveries in 2026/27.
"But whatever we can do for Europe's energy security during this transition period, we will do it," he said.
He mentioned that cooperation in the defense sector is also being discussed.
Scholz also referred to the expansion of the LNG infrastructure.
"Qatar plays a central role in our strategy."
Economics Minister Robert Habeck had previously signed a declaration of intent for closer cooperation with the country's Energy Minister, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, during the state visit.
The Green politician had already visited Qatar in March in view of the cooperation.
Working groups on gas and renewables
Qatar is one of the world's largest LNG exporters, but has so far mainly delivered to Asia.
Sheikh Tamim has ruled the very rich Gulf state since 2013. He was just 33 years old when he took over.
Since then he has greatly expanded the influence of the small peninsula.
He brought the soccer World Cup to the country and is an important mediator for the West in dealing with the Taliban.
The German-Qatari energy partnership is intended to promote "high-level exchange" between the two governments on energy-related issues, build bridges between the two countries and bring together actors from the public and private sectors, it said.
Regular meetings between the Qatari Ministry of Energy and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection are planned.
The Ministry of Economics announced two working groups, on LNG and hydrogen and on renewable energies, energy efficiency and load management.
Climate protection should also play a role.
The Emir, despite his moderate demeanor, is a controversial figure.
For example, he is said to have connections to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood.
A number of neighboring countries led by Saudi Arabia even imposed a complete blockade on Qatar for several years.
Egypt also joined.
Among other things, the states had accused the emirate of supporting terrorism and having too close ties with Shiite Iran.
The conflict was only settled last year with mediation from the United States.
Qatar has also been repeatedly criticized for systematic human rights violations and the exploitation of migrant workers who help build the World Cup stadiums, for example.
The government in Doha rejects the allegations.
Apr/Reuters/dpa
