Germany–Saudi Arabia relations

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Germany-Saudi Arabia relations
Map indicating locations of Germany and Saudi Arabia

Germany
Saudi Arabia

Germany–Saudi Arabia relations refers to the international relations between Germany and Saudi Arabia.

History[]

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany were formed as early as 1929, with the signing of a treaty between the Weimar Republic and the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd.[1] The relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and Saudi Arabia were established in 1954.[1]

Controversies[]

Funding of mosques[]

The construction of the King Fahd Academy in Germany was funded by Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia funds the construction and maintenance of several mosques in Germany.[2] Several politicians have expressed concern that the Saudi-funded mosques are a breeding ground for Islamic extremism.[3]

Arms exports[]

Germany was one of the top weapons exporters to Saudi Arabia, with an export volume of 450 million Euros in the third fiscal quarter of 2017.[4] In 2018, after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Germany halted arms exports to Saudi Arabia, which has strained relations.[5][6][7]

Diaspora[]

German diaspora in Saudi Arabia[]

There is a small community of Germans working in Saudi Arabia, as a number of German companies have a presence in the kingdom.[8] The German International School Jeddah and German International School Riyadh cater to the educational needs of the children of diplomats, as well as the diaspora.

Saudi diaspora in Germany[]

There is a small Saudi diaspora in Germany, which includes women refugees who have fled the kingdom due to its patriarchical laws.[9]

Cultural ties[]

The 2019 film The Perfect Candidate is the first example of a major Saudi-German coproduction.[10]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Saudi Arabia, Germany long-standing partners in changing times". Arab News. 2017-10-18. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
  2. ^ Welle (www.dw.com), Deutsche. "Germany to curb mosque funding from Gulf states | DW | 28.12.2018". DW.COM. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
  3. ^ "'Saudi-funded mosques breeding extremism'". www.thelocal.de. Retrieved 2021-06-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ "'Makes no difference': Saudi minister slams German arms ban". www.aljazeera.com. 2020-11-15. Retrieved 2021-06-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Britain urges Germany to ease curbs on arms sales to Saudi". AP NEWS. 2019-02-20. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
  6. ^ Welle (www.dw.com), Deutsche. "Germany sells arms to members of Saudi-led Yemen coalition | DW | 02.04.2020". DW.COM. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
  7. ^ Noack, Rick (2019-03-27). "Germany halted all arms exports to Saudi Arabia. It worked too well, and now Berlin is looking for a way out". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
  8. ^ "Ambassador sees Germans coming soon to Saudi Arabia 'in large numbers' as Kingdom opens doors to world tourists". Arab News. 2019-10-03. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
  9. ^ Welle (www.dw.com), Deutsche. "Saudi women refugees in Germany: Still living in fear | DW | 19.02.2019". DW.COM. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
  10. ^ "'The Perfect Candidate,' a Saudi movie to debut in German language". Arab News. 2020-01-10. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
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