Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Saudi Arabia, his first stop on a three-day visit to the Gulf region as Germany seeks closer partnerships in the region. DW has the latest. Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Saudi Arabia, his first stop on a three-day visit to the Gulf region Johann Wadephul said during his Australian tour that Berlin wants to deepen cooperation with Canberra on critical raw materials Here's DW's coverage of the latest news inGermany on Thursday, February 5. Wadephul in Australia calls for cooperation on critical raw materials German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday that Berlin wants to deepen cooperation with Australia on critical raw materials, while pushing for the swift conclusion of a free trade agreement between the European Union and Australia. After his talks with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Wadephul said in Canberra that Germany is keen to expand partnerships on strategically important minerals. "Your country is an important partner for us in diversifying our supply chains," Wadephul said. "Many critical raw materials such as lithium are extracted here and we are very interested in further expanding our cooperation in the raw materials sector, especially in strategically important minerals." Australia has the world's largest hard-rock lithium mine, which supplies around 20% of the world's output. It is also home to huge deposits of rare earths such as neodymium and terbium. Wadephul also urged swift progress on a long-delayed free trade agreement between the EU and Australia. Both Wong and Wadephul hoped a deal could be reached soon, to which the German minister said, "Preferably before the end of this year." He added that both the EU and Australia would benefit from an agreement dismantling "all trade barriers." Merz embarks on first Gulf trip German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his three-day Gulf tour late on Wednesday with Saudi Arabia, as Europe's largest economy seeks to diversify trade, energy and security partnerships. Merz and a business delegation will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before traveling to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The trip concludes on Friday. Ahead of his trip, Merz said the Gulf could also help Germany "diversify our oil and gas supply chains" as Berlin aims to cut down reliance on US liquefied natural gas (LNG). "We need such partnerships more than ever at a time when major powers increasingly determine politics," the German chancellor said. Germany has deep ties with Gulf nations, including defense exports, infrastructure projects, and investments in German corporations such as Volkswagen to Deutsche Bank. Merz's visit also comes amid heightened regional tensions regarding Iran. The chancellor said he would raise human rights concerns during his Saudi tour, while also admitting that the issue no longer played as prominent a role in relations as in the past. Saudi Arabia is known for its draconian justice system and treatment of women. Welcome to our coverage Hi! Welcome to our coverage of the most important news from Germany. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on a three-day Gulf tour beginning with Saudi Arabia and then traveling to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Australia endorsed deepening Berlin's partnership with Canberra on critical raw materials. More updates to follow.