Abu Dhabi: Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State, said between 40 and 45 agreements are expected to be signed between the UAE and German governments during the state visit of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Federal Republic of Germany, including investments worth billions of dollars.Speaking in an interview in Berlin, Nusseibeh said the UAE serves as Europe’s gateway to the Middle East, while Europe represents a vast economic market, Sky News Arabia reported.She said ambitious negotiations would therefore take place with the European Union on a free trade agreement, which is expected to be concluded within the next six months.She also praised European solidarity with the UAE during what she described as the brutal Iranian terrorist attacks.“Strengthening relations between the UAE and Germany can help connect Europe’s industrial and technological capabilities with capital, energy resources and growth opportunities across the Gulf, Asia and Africa,” Nusseibeh told German newspaper Welt.Nusseibeh did not disclose details of the agreements expected to be signed during UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Berlin, but described them as “a clear message about our vision for the future”.She said the agreements would include a dedicated framework for technological cooperation, bringing together researchers and investors, as well as agreements covering the energy transition and building on existing cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen and energy efficiency.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the Gulf region in February, shortly before the United States and Israel launched a series of strikes against Iran, triggering a war that remains unresolved more than six months later.“At a time when the international order is under increasing pressure, partnerships such as the one between the UAE and Germany are becoming extremely important,” Nusseibeh said.“Europeans and the Gulf states are very important to one another. The current crisis has put both our societies to the test. Many Europeans live in the UAE and have been able to feel safe and live as though they were at home.”She added: “We are already investing more than €75 billion across Europe in AI data centres and start-ups, including in France and Italy, and we are also holding talks with Germany and other countries. There is no doubt that Germany is a leader in technology, innovation and clean energy.”Free tradeOn reaching free trade agreements, Nusseibeh said negotiations had been under way for around a year, noting that the UAE reached an agreement with India within 88 days and with Canada within 60 days.She said there was strong momentum and genuine ambition among decision-makers on both the UAE and European sides to conclude a free trade agreement between the UAE and the European Union.Some points remain under negotiation, however, and another round of talks is due to take place within a month.Turning to foreign policy and security cooperation, Nusseibeh said the war with Iran had led to the establishment of diverse, multi-track partnerships and adjustments to deal with new forms of warfare.The UAE is therefore seeking broader cooperation with security partners while also strengthening its ability to provide for its own security, she said.“For example, our armed forces were able to intercept between 95 and 97 per cent of Iranian drones and missiles. That is a remarkable rate that is difficult to find even among other militaries,” Nusseibeh said.“The decisive factor was having a multi-layered defence system integrating different defence systems at multiple levels. But this is also about collective security, including freedom of navigation and keeping maritime corridors open.”She added that diplomacy was another important element.“Through the UAE’s mediation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, more than 8,000 prisoners have been exchanged. We keep channels of communication open with both sides and convey messages calling for an end to the war in Europe.”Global energy securityNusseibeh said allowing a country bordering a strategic strait to control global supplies and switch them on or off at will would set a precedent that is completely unacceptable to anyone committed to international law.She stressed that respect for international law and ensuring security of supply through freedom of navigation were areas where Germany and the UAE shared common ground.Iran’s weaponisation of the Strait of Hormuz, she said, meant deterrence needed to be restored and international principles defended.“We will all have to find a practical approach in dealing with Iran. But restoring trust is, of course, a different matter,” Nusseibeh said.“Iran is our neighbour; that is the reality of geography. At the same time, we will fully implement US sanctions with the greatest possible firmness.”She said the UAE remained open to diplomatic engagement and noted that Qatar was playing an effective role as a mediator.“But we also know what has happened during the past four months of war, and we are prepared for all scenarios,” she said.
