Despite the clash between Israel and Iran, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged the Middle East on Saturday, arriving in the Saudi capital Riyadh on a hasty trip to return to work.
Wadephul, who served under Prime Minister Friedrich Merz’s coalition government last month, met with his Saudi Faisal Bin Farhan in Riyadh.
The stability in the Middle East is likely to dominate along with the Gaza war after Israel strikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s retaliation attacks.
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf of Oman condemn the Israeli attacks, and Riyadh has given them a clear violation of international law. Oman said they represent a “dangerous and reckless escalation.”
Initially, Wadephul will travel from Egypt to Lebanon and arrive in the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday. Visits to Jordan and Israel on Sunday are also on the agenda.
However, as the Middle East developed quickly became unpredictable, the minister canceled his visits to Beirut, Damascus, Amman and Jerusalem.
Wadephul is planning to travel to Katar on Saturday night to meet with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al Thani.
During the Gaza War, Qatar was considered an important mediator between Israel and the Islamic militia Hamas.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul spoke at a press conference where the German ambassador lives in Riyadh. Hannes P. Albert/DPA
