Former U.S. President Barack Obama paid a moving tribute to outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday following her last EU summit.
“Very few political leaders can be counted upon to put their principles above any narrow definition of self-interest. Your beloved German people, and the entire world, owe you a debt of gratitude for taking the high ground for so many years,” Obama said in a prepared video message.
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In his remarks, Obama hailed her leadership in Germany and thanked her for her valuable friendship.
“I was happy to become your friend as I watched you draw on good humor, wise pragmatism, and an unrelenting moral compass in making hard decisions over many years,” he added in the video.
Obama maintained a strong relationship with Merkel while in office, including awarding her the Medal of Freedom in 2010. Merkel was the last foreign leader he spoke to while he was president before former President Trump was inaugurated in 2017.
The chancellor was also praised by European leaders, who spoke of her legacy as a German leader for 16 years, and for being a European ally.
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