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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said fears of a wider regional escalation linked to Iran have shaped his talks during a Gulf tour, as he visited Qatar on Thursday.
Speaking in Doha, Merz said concerns over Iran had featured prominently in discussions with Gulf leaders.
He called on Tehran to halt what he described as aggressive behaviour and to enter talks aimed at easing tensions.
The German leader is touring Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as Berlin looks to strengthen cooperation in energy, defence and trade, while also addressing regional security risks.
“We need such partnerships more than ever at a time when major powers increasingly determine politics,” Merz said before embarking on his trip to the Gulf.
During his stop in Doha, Merz held talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
According to Qatari officials, discussions covered economic cooperation, energy, trade and military ties, as well as regional and international developments.
Germany has increased its engagement with Gulf states since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine disrupted European energy supplies, with Qatar becoming a key supplier of liquefied natural gas.
Berlin is also seeking longer-term partnerships linked to energy diversification and defence cooperation.
Merz arrived in Qatar from Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday. His Gulf tour concludes with a visit to the United Arab Emirates.