BERLIN, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – On Thursday, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin. The primary focus was on enhancing cooperation between the UAE and Germany across economic and developmental sectors. The talks also addressed broader regional and global issues, including diplomacy, peace efforts, and international security. This meeting coincided with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official state visit to Germany from September 9 to 11.
During their discussions, both officials explored avenues to deepen the strategic alliance and foster collaboration in multiple domains. Sheikh Abdullah characterized the UAE-Germany relationship as robust and enduring, emphasizing ongoing progress in bilateral cooperation. He reaffirmed their shared dedication to building on previous successes and promoting sustainable economic growth. Wadephul and Sheikh Abdullah also exchanged perspectives on common interests and diplomatic strategies for crisis resolution.
The state visit further solidified the bilateral relationship, introducing a new framework for collaboration. Germany’s Federal Government described it as the first state visit by a UAE president. During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed met Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the two leaders announced the launch of a new Strategic Dialogue. This format encompasses key sectors such as security, defense, trade, investment, energy, climate, technology, digital transformation, transport, environment, culture, and education.
Expansion of Bilateral Cooperation Through Strategic Dialogue
Both governments endorsed plans to establish a German-UAE Investment Council aimed at strengthening engagement between the public and private sectors. They also welcomed the resumption of the Joint Economic Committee and the positive outcomes from a bilateral business forum. The visit resulted in 29 new business agreements and memoranda of understanding, with a combined value exceeding 9.356 billion euros, as stated in the joint declaration. Additionally, a UAE investment package worth 40 billion euros in Germany was announced as part of the overall agreement.
Economic collaboration spans vital sectors such as energy, cutting-edge technology, and digital infrastructure. The joint declaration underscored ongoing and planned initiatives involving LNG, renewable energy, hydrogen, and energy efficiency projects. It also highlighted upcoming plans to develop advanced data centers with approximately one gigawatt of capacity. Artificial intelligence and emerging technological fields were also recognized as important areas for bilateral cooperation.
Diplomatic and Security Focus During Berlin Meetings
In addition to economic matters, the foreign ministers discussed regional and international developments. They emphasized the importance of strengthening global efforts to promote peace and stability, as well as maintaining international security. Their dialogue included strategies for addressing crises through diplomacy, a theme that was also prominent during President Sheikh Mohamed’s visit. The German government had previously identified the Middle East peace and stability as key topics for the meetings of the leaders.
Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, UAE Minister of State, attended the meeting between Sheikh Abdullah and Wadephul. Their discussions linked foreign policy, economic cooperation, and development activities within the framework of the bilateral relationship. The state visit also connected these discussions with formal mechanisms for investment, strategic dialogue, and sector-specific cooperation. The Berlin meetings represent the latest step in an ongoing official engagement within the UAE-Germany Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2004.