The Chancellor reported that her "extremely frank talks with the Emir" had focused on the situation in the Gulf – the conflict between Qatar and its neighbours. It is a matter of concern, she said at a press conference with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, that "even one hundred days after the conflict erupted, there are still no signs of a solution". She reported that they had also discussed the situation in Libya and Syria.

The conflict between Qatar and its neighbours
On 5 June 2017 Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar and suspended all links to Qatar, by air, land and sea. They accuse Qatar of supporting extremism; Qatar has roundly rejected these accusations.

Kuwait’s mediation efforts

Germany is not party to this conflict, said the Chancellor, but in line with its values it aims to help resolve the conflict. She urged the actors involved to identify fair compromises. No party should lose face. The Emir, she reported, had made it clear that the Qatari side is doing all it can to make progress.

In the Qatar crisis, the German government is supporting Kuwait’s efforts to mediate. The Chancellor expressed Germany’s appreciation of American efforts to mediate in this conflict as well.

Fight against terrorism

There is agreement that it is extremely important to fight terrorism, reported Angela Merkel. The Emir assured her that Qatar too intends to do everything it can to fight Islamist terrorism. The region is facing "enormous challenges" said the Chancellor, and pointed to Yemen and the current cholera epidemic there.

It was the first foreign visit of the Emir since the outbreak of the so-called Qatar crisis. Before attending the United Nations General Assembly the Emir will be visiting other capitals in addition to Berlin.

Steps to cut the funding of terrorism

In the view of the German government, all countries in the region must redouble their efforts to halt the funding of terrorism. Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel visited the Gulf at the beginning of July. During his visit he stated clearly, " We firmly believe that stopping the financing of terrorist organisations and extremists – no matter by whom or from where – is absolutely essential: with no ifs and buts, and in a practicable and transparent manner. If better mechanisms for this can be developed, then this crisis could even ultimately strengthen our instruments in the fight against terrorism. However, this requires goodwill, de-escalation and a dialogue on all sides." In Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar Sigmar Gabriel urged all parties to the conflict to embrace the will to compromise.