German Chancellor to travel to Middle East to conclude agreements on energy resources supply

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will on September 24 begin a two-day tour of Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, in the hope of sealing new energy deals with the fossil fuel exporters, Report informs referring to AFP.

Scholz, accompanied by a sizeable industry delegation, will first head to Saudi Arabia before visiting the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on September 25.

The chancellor hopes to agree new energy partnerships with the oil- and gas-rich Gulf states, with the loss of Russian supplies in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia's importance as a fossil fuels exporter and regional power meant a "solid working relationship" was needed with the crown prince, said a government source.

Berlin also wants to extend cooperation on new technologies such as green hydrogen produced using renewable energy, which Germany could import in vast quantities from the Gulf states, said government sources.

The chancellor would also seek to strengthen political cooperation with the regional powers, courted on the other side by Russia and China.

Scholz would seek to "build as broad a network as possible in this world and advocate for his positions", the source said.

On September 24, Scholz is also set to meet Saudi King Salman, though the ageing monarch is said to play an ever smaller role in government affairs.

On September 25, Scholz will head to the UAE and meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

In the afternoon, the chancellor will hold talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.