By Ayhan Simsek </p> <p>BERLIN (AA) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on Arab states to respect human rights and promote civil society, for stability and economic development in their region. </p> <p>Speaking to reporters in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, Merkel said the European Union has a strong interest in economic prosperity of Arab countries. </p> <p>"But I am also convinced that this can only be achieved if there is a strong civil society and if human rights are respected," she stressed. </p> <p>Merkel, who arrived Egypt for a two-day summit of the EU and the Arab League member states, called on Arab states to take measures to promote civil society organizations and ensure the protection of minorities. </p> <p>However, she refrained from openly criticizing the Egyptian government amid an international uproar over the execution of the nine young people last week. </p> <p>Amnesty International said they were convicted of terrorism charges after "grossly unfair trials" marred by alleged torture.</p> <p>Ahead of Merkel’s visit to Sharm el-Sheikh, German lawmakers called on the chancellor to raise human rights at the EU-Arab League summit and in bilateral talks with the Egyptian leaders.
In June 2015, German industrial giant Siemens signed an 8 billion euro deal ($9 billion) with Egypt to supply gas and wind power plants.
The deal was inked during an official visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Germany.
