New Zealand PM lauds Merkel as true leader, good person

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern paid tribute to outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the pair met virtually at the Asia-Pacific trade group (APEC) meeting on Friday. During a 20-minute talk about the state of the world, Ardern reminisced about one of her earlier meetings with Merkel.

Ardern said that it's not often, when someone come from a small island nation, that would find someone of such heft in the world of international diplomacy who felt genuinely interested in the views of a humble New Zealander. She added that Chancellor Merkel constant engagement with the world and thoughtfulness and willingness to hear the perspectives of others, in her mind, is a reflection of a true leader but also just a very good person.

After thanking Ardern and APEC for inviting her, Merkel said that Germany would continue to be a fair partner in the world once she has left office. Ardern would chair the Leaders' meeting overnight Friday, where 21 leaders would discuss COVID-19 and further regional trade and economic cooperation between member economies. APEC's focus remains on the regional response and recovery from COVID-19. Ardern said in a statement that together they are continuing to keep supply chains functioning and are supporting trade in critical medical supplies – including testing kits, PPE and now vaccines