German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is on a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey to address security and humanitarian issues in the Middle East, particularly concerning Syria and Gaza. His visit marks a historic first for a German head of state in Saudi Arabia and aims to strengthen diplomatic ties while confronting regional skepticism regarding Germany’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On February 3, 2025, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier commenced a three-day diplomatic tour of the Middle East, visiting Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey. This visit primarily addresses the evolving security landscape in Syria following the removal of Bashar Assad and the humanitarian situations in Gaza and Syria. Discussions will also focus on Iran’s diminished influence and recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
Steinmeier’s arrival in Riyadh marks a historic first, as he becomes the initial German head of state to undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, he is set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, engaging in discussions with think tank representatives and touring an arts center during his stay.
Following Saudi Arabia, Steinmeier will travel to Jordan on February 4, to visit German troops stationed at Al-Azraq Airbase involved in the international fight against the Islamic State. This nation, bordering Syria and Israel, is also host to a significant Palestinian refugee population. Subsequently, he plans to meet with King Abdullah II to reinforce bilateral relations.
The final leg of Steinmeier’s visit will take place in Ankara, Turkey, where he will converse with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In light of Turkey’s hosting of approximately 3.2 million Syrian refugees and its increasing regional influence, discussions are anticipated to revolve around strategies for stabilizing Syria post-Assad.
This trip underscores Germany’s ongoing commitment to its interests in the Middle East, notwithstanding potential skepticism from regional partners, stemming from perceived biases towards Israel amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The German leadership’s support for Israel’s actions against Hamas has complicated diplomatic relations in the region, despite Germany’s historical advocacy for Palestinian statehood and humanitarian efforts.
The diplomatic visit occurs against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. Notably, Syria remains volatile after the ousting of Bashar Assad by Islamist factions, following years of civil strife. Furthermore, the humanitarian crises escalating in Gaza and Syria continue to necessitate international attention and support. With Iran’s influence waning and U.S. policies evolving under the current administration, the regional landscape is of paramount concern during this trip.
In conclusion, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey reflects Germany’s commitment to engaging with key regional leaders on pressing security and humanitarian issues. The discussions will address crises in Syria and Gaza, while navigating complexities of international relations amidst Germany’s longstanding support for both Israel and Palestinian endeavors. The outcomes of these meetings could play a pivotal role in shaping future German-Middle Eastern partnerships.
Original Source: www.dw.com
