Merz pledges arms cooperation and seeks more energy during Qatar visit
Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Qatar on Thursday to boost energy imports and offer arms cooperation. He aims to strengthen ties with reliable Gulf partners.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz friedrich merz announced today a strategic shift in foreign and economic policy, pledging a less-restrictive approach to arms exports for Gulf states 
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QA while seeking to significantly increase liquefied natural gas imports from Qatar QA. These moves, presented during an official visit to the region on February 5, 2026, are intended to deepen defense and economic cooperation, secure a reliable energy supply, and reduce strategic dependencies for Germany 
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SAAEQA while seeking to significantly increase liquefied natural gas imports from Qatar QA. These moves, presented during an official visit to the region on February 5, 2026, are intended to deepen defense and economic cooperation, secure a reliable energy supply, and reduce strategic dependencies for Germany DE.
