Merkel wants to develop German economic ties to Gulf states

May 22, 2010, 11:20 GMT

Eds: Merkel visits Gulf on May 24-27 =

Berlin (dpa) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that she wished to develop her country's economic ties to the Gulf states, ahead of a four-day trip to the region.

'In my view, the trade relations between the countries I am visiting and Germany will become increasingly important in the coming years,' Merkel said in her weekly video address.

The chancellor departs Monday on a visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, where she will meet with heads of state and government.

Merkel also stressed the region's political importance, due to its role in the Middle East peace process and in negotiations over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

'In particular, Saudi Arabia plays an important role in solving the conflicts in the Middle East,' she said.

The chancellor said the region was undergoing important changes as their oil supplies diminished.

'All four countries are preparing themselves for a time when they will not have so many natural resources, and education and renewable energies will play a key role,' Merkel said, adding that Germany could be a strong partner in both fields.

'We will talk about the many areas in which we can jointly shape the energy supply of the future,' the chancellor said.

Merkel's trip will also include a visit to Saudi Arabia's new King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, where women and men study together.

She will be accompanied on her trip by a delegation of German parliamentarians and business figures.