German Ambassador to Qatar H E Lothar Freischlader. Pic: Ahmed Barakat/ The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s mediation efforts in regional and international conflicts have earned it Germany’s admiration and support, the German Ambassador to Qatar H E Lothar Freischlader has said.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula recently, the Ambassador noted that Qatar’s strong engagement in foreign policy and mediation makes it a very important partner for his country.
“From ceasefire negotiations in Gaza to humanitarian efforts in Lebanon, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, Qatar’s contributions resonate with Germany’s own commitment to peace,” he said.
He added that both nations share a vision for a two-state solution on the Palestinian issue and he strongly advocated for a much better humanitarian access to Gaza and renewed negotiations.
“Germany and Qatar have a very similar approach—intense diplomacy, extensive humanitarian assistance, and bilateral support in the region,” the Ambassador explained, underscoring their joint call for Israel and Hamas to return to the negotiation table.
Ambassador Freischlader noted that the diplomatic relationship between Germany and Qatar is thriving, underpinned by frequent high-level exchanges and a shared commitment to collaboration across various sectors.
He emphasised the strength of these ties, noting, “Germany and Qatar maintain robust and strong relations encompassing political, economic, cultural, and educational collaborations, and even in the fields of sport.”
“This is evidenced by regular mutual visits, such as H H the Amir’s third trip to Berlin within three years in October 2024, and the most recent visit of the German Federal Finance Minister H E Dr. Jörg Kukies to Doha in February 2025 with a large business delegation,” he added.
Looking ahead, both nations are poised to elevate their partnership through an already agreed Strategic Dialogue. A date will be agreed soon after the formation of the new Federal Government in Germany, the Ambassador assured.
Energy remains a critical pillar of Germany-Qatar relations, with a partnership dating back 40 years when German technology aided Qatar’s LNG development. Today, as Germany prioritises energy security amid global challenges, Qatar’s role as a major LNG supplier is more vital than ever.
In May 2022, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepen this partnership, which is done on a daily, business basis and will further materialise in 2026 when Qatar will begin a 15-year LNG supply agreement with Germany via ConocoPhillips.
Beyond LNG, the Ambassador highlighted opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and smart solutions, supported by German companies and institutions like the Germany Trade and Invest, the German Chamber of Commerce, the German Mittelstand (SME’s) GCC Office and the German Business Council Qatar in Doha.
The economic relationship between Germany and Qatar is marked by diversity and longevity. Key German exports to Qatar include automobiles, machinery, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, while 90% of Qatari exports to Germany stem from gas and petrochemicals, with tourism and other trade making up the rest. Qatar’s investments in Germany — exceeding $25bn in automotive, financial, and industrial sectors — further solidify this bond.
Germany offers Qatari businesses a stable, investor-friendly environment. The German pavilion at the 2025 Web Summit in Doha by the German Mittelstand in a collaborative effort with the embassy, showcased this synergy, hosting over 100 CEOs, investors, and startups. A landmark MoU between the German Mittelstand and Qatar’s Government Communications Office ensures the pavilion’s expansion at the next three Web Summits (2026–2028), promising even greater business collaboration. In addition to this MoU, the German Mittelstand signed several more, for example with Qatar Free Zone Authority.
“This is the departure on the avenue of deepening our relationship in this sector,” the Ambassador noted, emphasising the importance of implementing these agreements as the next step.
As global leaders in their respective fields, Germany and Qatar are also aligning their expertise to tackle climate change. Germany’s prowess in renewable energy—spanning solar innovation, energy storage, and efficiency — complements Qatar’s sustainability goals under its National Vision 2030.
“As Qatar increases its renewable energy generation and is currently planning its fourth solar power plant, our experience in solar energy technologies could be valuable”, the Ambassador suggested, also noting Qatar’s potential in the hydrogen market, bolstered by German advancements in production and storage.
A standout example is the collaboration with ThyssenKrupp on the world’s largest blue ammonia plant in Mesaieed, integrating carbon capture and solar power.
“This is a great example of our joint commitment to sustainable industrial practices,” H E Freischlader remarked.
Culture and education serve as vital bridges between the two nations. German art exhibitions, such as Günter Grass’s works at Katara and loans to the Mataf Arab Museum, alongside performances at the EU Jazz Festival, enrich Qatar’s cultural scene. The German International School in Doha fosters daily cross-cultural exchange, while German language programs at Qatari schools deepen mutual understanding.
On the educational front, Qatari students flock to Germany’s renowned universities, drawn by programmes in engineering, science, and business. Partnerships like those between Qatar University and the Technical University of Munich, or QEERI and RWTH Aachen, highlight collaborative research in energy and innovation. Discussions for a joint scholarship programme are also underway, facilitating student exchange in both ways between our two countries. The ambassador emphasised the value of Qatari students experiencing German life firsthand.
With Germany aiming for climate neutrality by 2045 and Qatar leveraging its LNG expertise for emission reductions, both nations recognise the urgency of the climate crisis.
Their collaboration shone at the 2024 Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change, where Germany was the official partner.
The embassy’s Doha Climate Talks further enriched this dialogue, with plans to expand cooperation with Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and other important climate and sustainability institutions in Qatar. Germany’s leadership in waste management and circular economy practices offers additional avenues for partnership.
