Interview with Ambassador Dieter Walter Haller

When I was still a student, I was already attracted to Foreign Policy. In the 70s, I was a member of the Young European Federalists advocating for a united Europe. It was my steadily growing interest in international politics and a certain idealism that led me to the path of German Foreign Service.

This is my second term as an Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. I spent almost three years here from 2011 to early 2014 before being called back to our Foreign Office in Berlin to be the Director General of the Economic Department. In July 2016, I was offered the great opportunity to come back for a second term in the Kingdom.

One great advantage of living in the DQ is that I have an extremely short way to work, since my residence is on the embassy premises. Most of the other embassies are also within walking distance or just a short drive away, so it is easy to meet my fellow ambassadors. I also like the general concept of the DQ and its multicultural atmosphere. And I like the natural walking trail bordering Wadi Hanifa. The desert has a beauty of its own. I cannot think of any disadvantage living here. I would welcome if a greater variety of cafes and restaurants opened in the DQ, but as far as I can see, some progress has already been made.

The work as an ambassador entails fact-finding, explaining, seeking common ground and “interpreting” at the same time. Reporting back to Berlin about political and economic developments is still a key task – in spite of all new forms of communication. Trying to find common ground between our governments when it comes to tackling joint challenges such as the fight against terrorism is another important task. And promoting our country and its interests in all fields is perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my work. I also dedicate quite a lot of my time to enhancing our economic partnership.

My day might not be much different from my colleagues’ schedule: it usually starts with a look into the media, followed by daily meetings with my staff when the agenda of the day is discussed and tasks are being distributed. Then I receive visitors who seek advice or guidance from the Embassy, mostly representatives of the private sector.

Meetings outside the Embassy follow which I appreciate the most: that’s where the “fact-finding” takes place.  Then there is the social front: there is hardly ever an idle moment, given the number of invitations I receive for evening events.

Al Diriyah – waiting for the historical part to be opened

Tahlia Street – the “Champs Elysées” of Riyadh

DQ walkway with its parks.