German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will host Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for talks aimed at deepening economic and diplomatic ties. Qatar has become a strategic partner for Germany since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as Germany seeks alternative energy sources. Qatar is also a key investor in the German economy, and potential investments include Qatar's purchase of a stake in Berlin's main refinery. Qatar has emerged as an important mediator in the Middle East and is looking to position itself as a global player. Critics have raised concerns about cooperating with Qatar due to its human rights record.