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President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier explored ways to expand their countries’ strategic partnership at Villa Borsig in Berlin on Thursday, the second day of the UAE leader’s state visit. Their meeting reviewed bilateral relations extending over more than 50 years and efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East as a route to stronger regional security and stability.

Details

• Shared commitment: Sheikh Mohamed said strong ties predated the formation of the UAE and had advanced through several milestones, culminating in the strategic partnership. He said continued progress reflected a shared commitment to broaden co-operation in ways that serve both countries’ interests, describing the relationship as rooted in friendship and collaboration.
• Community connections: The UAE President commended Steinmeier’s role in strengthening bilateral relations and highlighted the German community in the Emirates as a contributor to closer connections. He also expressed his pleasure at visiting Germany and signed the guestbook at the German President’s official residence.
• Official reception: Steinmeier welcomed Sheikh Mohamed to Villa Borsig with an official ceremony featuring both national anthems and a guard of honour. Sheikh Mohamed was introduced to German ministers and senior officials attending the reception, while Steinmeier greeted members of the visiting UAE delegation.
• UAE delegation: The delegation included Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser to the UAE President. Ministers and other senior officials also attended the talks.
• Economic foundation: Diplomatic ties were established in 1972, with the strategic partnership signed in 2004. The UAE has become Germany’s most important partner in the Gulf, with bilateral trade exceeding $15.5 billion in 2025, giving the political talks a substantial economic and investment dimension.
• Previous visit: Sheikh Mohamed previously visited Germany in 2019 as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, when he also met Steinmeier. During that trip, he described the UAE and Germany as anchors of peace and stability in their respective regions.

Background

Sheikh Mohamed arrived at Brandenburg Airport, where Dr Dorte Dinger, Head of the Office of the Federal President, was among the German officials receiving him. German fighter jets escorted the UAE presidential aircraft over Germany, while UAE, German and European Union flags were displayed during the arrival.

What’s next

Sheikh Mohamed is due to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss deeper co-operation, focusing on economic and development sectors. The two countries are also expected to sign agreements on Thursday covering artificial intelligence, energy and investment.