German Ambassador to Qatar H E Lothar Freischlader. Pictures: Amr Diab / The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: As German Ambassador to Qatar H E Lothar Freischlader prepares to conclude his diplomatic mission and retire from the Foreign Service, he reflects on his tenure in Doha, describing it as a period marked by strengthened ties, new initiatives, and deep cultural engagement.
“My two-year tenure in Doha was marked by numerous high-level visits in both directions, which significantly advanced our already strong relationship,” Ambassador Freischlader said in an exclusive interview with The Peninsula.
One of the key accomplishments he highlights is Germany’s growing collaboration with Qatar in tackling climate change. “A major accomplishment was establishing a new area of cooperation in climate change. Germany became an official partner for the 2024 Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change,” he said, noting the most important role of local partners such as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar Foundation, and Earthna.
The ongoing “Doha Climate Talk” initiative, now in its third edition in partnership with the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar and Msheireb Museums, takes place (today) June 1, reflects this commitment.
While acknowledging that some tasks remain unfinished, he views them as starting point for his successor. “Naturally, there are always unfinished tasks at the end of any diplomatic posting. But these are not loose ends—they are stepping stones for my successor to build upon,” he said.
Ambassador Freischlader praised the strength of German-Qatari relations, especially in trade, energy, and security. “Trade relations are particularly robust in energy, infrastructure, logistics, and manufacturing. Qatari investments in Germany are significant, and ‘Made in Germany’ products are in high demand here,” he said.
Security cooperation between the two nations has also expanded to include defense, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and safeguarding major public events. “There are a lot of initiatives between Qatar and Germany ongoing that reflect a growing partnership in addressing shared security challenges,” he said.
On regional diplomacy, Ambassador Freischlader commended Qatar’s role as a mediator in global crises. “We are most grateful for Qatar’s mediation efforts, in particular in the context of Gaza. Just like Qatar, we are deeply committed to a two-state solution, as we see it as the only viable and lasting path to peace.” Germany remains one of the largest providers of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories. “Blocking aid, even partially, is intolerable,” he said.
“Together with Qatar and many other countries, we urge all parties to return to a ceasefire, release all hostages, and let humanitarians deliver aid to those in need.”
Beyond diplomacy, Ambassador Freischlader embraced Qatari culture and society. “I enjoyed attending cultural events, visiting majlises, and exploring heritage sites like the National Museum,” he shared. “I was particularly fascinated by traditions such as falconry and camel racing.”
He leaves Qatar with admiration for its people. “I deeply admire the hospitality, generosity, and kindness of the Qatari people. Qatar blends tradition with vision—embracing the future while honoring its heritage.”
The Ambassador expressed optimism about the trajectory of German-Qatari relations.
“The future is very promising—especially in innovation and technology,” he said. Germany – through the German Mittelstand in cooperation with the German Embassy – launched its first national pavilion at this year’s Web Summit in Doha and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand participation through 2028.
“There’s also great potential in cultural diplomacy, where there is still much room to grow,” he added.
In May 1987, Ambassador Freischlader embarked on a distinguished career in diplomacy by joining the German Foreign Service as an Attaché. His diplomatic journey has spanned continents—from Saudi Arabia to the US, from Cape Verde to France, from Sweden to Iran and then Australia —and included a memorable Ambassadorship in Mozambique during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Coming to Doha was something I had hoped for and requested. Qatar is a thriving country, and witnessing that firsthand has been inspiring,” he said. He also said that the situation in Gaza in the aftermath of October 7, as a defining moment of his tenure in Doha.
“It deeply impacted me and shaped my time here. I sincerely hope to witness a significant improvement in the humanitarian situation in Gaza before I leave.” But Ambassador Freischlader’s connection to Qatar dates back more than three decades.
“In 1991, during the Gulf War, I was asked to serve as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Qatar,” he recalled.
At the time, he was working as a Press and Political Officer at the German Embassy in Riyadh. “I had to drive from Riyadh to Doha in my private car—without GPS. It was a memorable and historically significant time.”
His advice for aspiring diplomats is grounded in experience: “It’s a rewarding path—if it’s the right one for you. But it requires real commitment.”
As he bids farewell, Ambassador Freischlader leaves with a message of unity: “Let us continue building bridges. Our histories and cultures may differ, but our shared commitment to peace and prosperity unites us. The world needs partnerships like ours—rooted in understanding, respect, and dialogue.”
