German Chancellor Friedrich Merz headed to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to kick off a Gulf tour as the biggest EU economy seeks to diversify its key trade and energy partnerships.

In a turbulent world where US President Donald Trump has rocked long-standing transatlantic security and economic ties, Germany is racing to cement alternative relationships worldwide.

Joined by a business delegation, the conservative leader will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, then travel to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a whistlestop tour that concludes Friday.

"We need such partnerships more than ever at a time when major powers increasingly determine politics," Merz said before boarding his plane, adding that the Gulf could also help Germany "diversify our oil and gas supply chains".

"Our partners may not all share the same values and interests, but they do share the understanding that we need an order in which we can trust agreements and treat each other with respect."

Germany has long exported........

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