Export of defense equipment worth 36 million euros to Saudi Arabia today approved by its government. Germanydays after Chancellor Olaf Soltz visited the country, which is one of the world’s largest energy exporters.

According to a document sent to the Federal Parliament by Economics Minister Robert Hambeck, the governing coalition is using exemptions to allow arms sales to Saudi Arabia for the first time since the start of its term. The previous government stopped the export of weapons systems to the country due to its involvement, on the one hand, in the war in Yemen, and on the other hand, in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

But now the ruling coalition will take advantage of the exemption for armaments produced in cooperation with other countries to approve the sale of spare parts and ammunition for Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft for 36 million euros.

As part of the European cooperation program, spare parts for Airbus A330 aircraft worth at least 1.3 million will also be sold, according to Der Spiegel magazine. In addition to Germany, Italy, Spain and Great Britain are participating in the arms program, which sold fighter jets to Saudi Arabia several years ago under joint programs with other countries.

The government’s decision was criticized by Die Linke foreign policy spokesman Sevim Dagdelen: “Obviously, someone has lost all prohibitions on arming authoritarian regimes and fomenting wars around the world,” the left-wing politician said.

Olaf Soltz visited the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia last weekend accompanied by a large business delegation. In Jeddah, the Chancellor met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he said he also discussed the issue of Khashoggi’s murder in Istanbul. “We discussed all issues related to human rights and civil liberties. That’s the way it should be. You can be sure that nothing is left unsaid,” Mr Soltz said upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

Four years ago, the German government condemned the killing of a Saudi journalist and “will not reconsider this position,” the office said in a statement ahead of a trip to the Persian Gulf.

After meeting with Crown Prince Olaf Soltz, he mentioned a long-standing economic and political relationship with Saudi Arabia. “It is correct and important to discuss the development of the region and the possibilities of economic relations on the ground. When answering a question about the possibility of exporting equipment systems to the country, the chancellor spoke about the “very tough policy” of the German government. “Based on these rules, thoughtful decisions will continue to be made,” he stressed, apparently anticipating today’s decision. Similar exemptions were adopted in 2020 and 2021 by Angela Merkel’s government.

Source: RES-IPE