HH The Amir: Talks with German Chancellor Distinct and Frank

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said in a joint press conference following a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the Federal Chancellery that talks were distinct and frank. Talks explored the Gulf crisis between Qatar and particular neighbors posing a blockade on Qatar for more than one hundred days now.

HH The Amir accentuated the willingness of Qatar for dialogue to resolve this issue, expressing at the same time his gratitude to the German Chancellor for the efforts made by Germany and its vital role in resolving differences through dialogue, in line with German foreign policy. HH commended the German support for the Kuwaiti initiative, which Qatar has been supporting from the beginning and will continue to support until a solution that satisfies all parties is reached.

HH The Amir said that the talks dealt with the crisis in Libya and Qatar's support for the internationally recognized Libyan Government of National Accord.

As for the Syrian crisis, which represents a great danger to the region and the world, His Highness pointed out that there must be a political solution that satisfies all parties in Syria.

HH The Amir stated that talks also dealt with the distinctive relations between Qatar and Germany, such as economic and cultural relations, wishing continued talks between Qatar and its friends in Germany.

On combating terrorism, His Highness said “we are all fighting terrorism to ensure security but we must focus on the roots and causes of terrorism”, adding that there may be differences with some Arab countries in identifying the roots of terrorism, but we all agree that we must fight terrorism.

Replying to a question about Qatar's position towards some German companies in which Qatar is investing and is currently facing economic difficulties, HH The Amir said that Qatar has great confidence in the German economy and it is a strategic partnership, pointing out that what these companies are going through is normal and will not change Qatar's position on these investments.

For her part, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at the joint press conference that she was happy of HH The Amir’s visit which was planned long ago. She said that the discussions were very open and frank, with a focus on the Gulf crisis and the situation in the region with regard to Libya and Syria.

The German Chancellor expressed concern that more than one hundred days have passed since the beginning of the crisis between Qatar and its neighbors without finding a solution, explaining that Germany is not a party in this crisis, but would like to contribute to a solution based on German values and it sees the need that all parties sit at the dialogue table.

Germany will continue its contacts through diplomatic channels to seek a solution to the crisis, she said, adding that it was agreed during the talks to encourage the State of Kuwait to continue its efforts to resolve it. She expressed appreciation for the US efforts to reach a solution for this crisis.

She added that the talks dealt with the need to combat terrorism and its financing, hoping that the positive will from all sides will be available as there are enormous challenges in the region. On the situation in Yemen, she hoped that there will be positive development to resolve the crisis within the GCC.

On bilateral relations, Chancellor Merkel described German-Qatari relations as strong despite the crisis, mentioning the enormous economic relations between the two countries, and expressing the desire to develop them.

In response to a question about Germany's position on the crisis and in view of the 13 demands, the German Chancellor replied that she does not believe that the crisis could be solved in public as everything would appear in and be leaked to the media the next day, explaining that fair results must be reached through discussions.

Responding to a question about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and whether the talks dealt with this issue, Chancellor Merkel explained that this issue was not addressed during the talks but indicated that she was aware that the State of Qatar has carried out reforms on expatriate workers there and that Germany hopes these reforms continue.