Market Desk (Economy): German Chancellor Olaf Scholz planted a tree at a mangrove park in UAE on Sunday during 2 day visit to the Gulf region focused on securing new fossil fuel supplies and forging fresh alliances against Russia.
To do so, the German government has sought out new natural gas suppliers while also installing terminals to bring the fuel into the country by ship.
Germany, one of the global largest economies is looking for alternative energy suppliers after Russia cut off gas supplies. Berlin is moving forward with medium and long-term plans to ensure energy security in the coming years, even though it has gas reserves to handle the coming winter.
A significant number of business representatives are also accompanying on this visit.
However, human rights issues are also coming to front around the German Chancellor’s visit to the Gulf countries. His meeting was Prince Mohammed was considered quite sensitive, especially in the wake of murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Many were in doubt as to whether or not would discuss the issue with the Crown Prince while ensuring fuel supply. However, when asked by the journalists after the meeting, German Chancellor said, “We have discussed all the questions related to human rights, nothing that should have been said has been left out.” The German government has always strongly condemned the killing in Saudi embassy in Turkey. It was also informed earlier by the government that the matter will not be avoided during visit.
Focused on securing new fossil fuel supplies, the German government has sought out new natural gas suppliers while also installing terminals to bring the fuel into the country by ship. Later Sunday, Scholz was heading to Qatar to meet the Emir, Sheikh Tamim.
By Lisanur Rasul
