French President Nicolas Sarkozy praised Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel as she received the prestigious Charlemagne Prize for European leadership. He said she had taught him patience. European leaders gathered in the German city of Aachen on Thursday, May 1, to pay tribute to Merkel's contributions to European unity. For her part, Merkel reminded Europeans of the progress made the continent has made. "After centuries of violent confrontations, we have created what once could hardly have been imagined -- peaceful and friendly cooperation in Europe," she said in her speech, adding that Europe could serve as a model for other regions. Addressing her as "dear Angela" in a speech of eulogy, Sarkozy said, "She has taught me that hope requires time [to work]." Mutual compliments continued when Merkel replied in French, thanking Sarkozy "from her heart" and praising his "adeptness and honesty" in winning office as president a year ago and "leading France back into the heart of the European Union."
European leaders gathered in the German city of Aachen on Thursday, May 1, to pay tribute to Merkel's contributions to European unity.
For her part, Merkel reminded Europeans of the progress made the continent has made.
"After centuries of violent confrontations, we have created what once could hardly have been imagined -- peaceful and friendly cooperation in Europe," she said in her speech, adding that Europe could serve as a model for other regions.
Addressing her as "dear Angela" in a speech of eulogy, Sarkozy said, "She has taught me that hope requires time [to work]."
Mutual compliments continued when Merkel replied in French, thanking Sarkozy "from her heart" and praising his "adeptness and honesty" in winning office as president a year ago and "leading France back into the heart of the European Union."
