During her visit to Saudi Arabian Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke out in favor of deepening economic relations – and this wish with the demand for respect for the human rights connected.
Saudi Arabia has “incredible potential” for a climate partnership in the areas of green hydrogen and wind energy, said Baerbock in Jeddah. However, economic cooperation “cannot be viewed in isolation from the rule of law, human rights and civil liberties,” she added. These are “two sides of the same coin”.
The deepening of economic relations with Saudi Arabia desired by Germany “can only work if climate partnerships and economic relations are based on reliable common rules,” explained the minister after her meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Landing in Jeddah: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wants to stay in the Gulf region for three days
Baerbock paid tribute to the conservative Islamic kingdom for its efforts towards cautious social modernization. She pointed to the growing social participation of women: “That deserves recognition,” said the Green politician. There is now a “common understanding that economic development cannot work if half the people are excluded.”
At the same time, she pointed to ongoing differences, which she addressed in her meeting with the Saudi foreign minister. “It’s no secret that we still have a lot in common when it comes to human rights,” she said. She gave examples the death penalty still practiced in Saudi Arabia and the area of civil liberties.
Baerbock arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for her first visit. She also wants talks on the conflict in Jeddah on Tuesday in Yemen lead, where Saudi Arabia is trying to mediate. Later she will Emirate of Qatar travel on.
uh/sti (afp, dpa)