German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier hosts official welcoming ceremony at historic Villa Borsig as high-level talks begin
BERLIN — UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Berlin on Thursday on an official state visit to Germany, opening bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening economic, political, and strategic ties between the two countries.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received Sheikh Mohamed at Villa Borsig, the German foreign ministry’s historic guesthouse situated along Lake Tegel.
An official ceremonial welcome commenced as the presidential motorcade arrived at the residence. A military band played the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Germany before Sheikh Mohamed inspected a military guard of honour.
Following the arrival honours, Sheikh Mohamed signed the guestbook at Villa Borsig. In his entry, he affirmed the deep-rooted partnership between the UAE and Germany, highlighting decades of institutional cooperation across key sectors and reiterating a mutual desire to expand bilateral initiatives.
Delegations representing both governments then held formal introductions. The UAE delegation accompanying the President includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, alongside several cabinet ministers and diplomatic envoys.
President Steinmeier introduced Sheikh Mohamed to members of the German cabinet and senior federal officials attending the reception.
The state visit follows longstanding cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Berlin across energy security, renewable technology, and bilateral trade, with both sides scheduled to conduct high-level consultations during the trip.
