In an unusual diplomatic incident German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier faced a wait on the tarmac in Doha, Qatar, despite the presence of a red carpet, military honor guard, and Germany’s ambassador, Lothar Freischlader. No Qatari official was initially there to greet him. Despite the delay, Steinmeier eventually met Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan al-Muraichai, and proceeded with his scheduled meeting with Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Speculation arose about whether this was a scheduling error or a sign of strained relations between Qatar and Germany. The incident coincided with Germany's perspective on Qatar's role in the Israel-Hamas conflict. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had criticized Qatar's involvement, stating, "We do not accept support for terror," and emphasizing the special responsibility of countries like Qatar in ending terrorism.