Following Iranian threats, the president of the state of Bavaria suggests a German military presence in Qatar

The Prime Minister of the German state of Bavaria, Markus Söder, called for a German military presence in Qatar, within the framework of strengthening cooperation with the countries of the Gulf region.

Söder said today, Tuesday, after a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in the capital, Doha, that it is important for Germany to be “present here at least,” and suggested that the German Defense Ministry conduct a visit to Qatar, and that “perhaps not military units, but technical personnel be sent to participate in more training programs.”

Söder pointed out that other countries, such as Britain and France, have already taken similar steps, and added: “I think that the Germans should also show their presence here,” explaining that achieving economic success in the long term requires, in addition to the economy, a second element, which is trust and security.

Söder's statements regarding strengthening defense cooperation with Qatar come at a time of escalating tensions related to Iran, which he considered a fundamental factor that requires security and defense issues to be given special importance in the region.

A few days ago, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had harshly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including threats to "launch large-scale military strikes" in the event of a new war, saying that the resulting damage would far exceed 100 billion euros.

Araqchi's statements came in response to statements by German Chancellor Meretz, in which he stressed that Germany has a strong economic interest in ending the conflict with Iran as quickly as possible, noting that the rise in energy prices cost Europe alone more than 100 billion euros.

Söder: Economic success requires confidence and security

Söder's goal in his tour, which includes several Arab countries, is not limited to economic aspects only, as he also seeks to expand cooperation in other areas.

During his inspection of a workshop belonging to the Defense Industries Company "KNDS" at a military base, Söder called for investment in the defense sector, with a special focus on Bavarian companies.

Söder stressed the importance of the defense sector, saying: “It is a very important sector... We are here 150 kilometers from Iran, so interest in defense outweighs the importance of anything else.”