Press remarks by President von der Leyen following her meeting with Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia

Source: European Commission (EC) i, published on Saturday, December 7 2019.

Thank you Madam President,

for receiving me today and sharing time and experience with me.

Indeed, it is for me a privilege and an honour to be here with the only Head of State in Africa that is a woman - an outstanding one [with] an impressive biography and track record. But I could by myself see that you have a vast experience on gender issues and in empowering women.

I liked very much the small part of [the] anecdote we shared that you grew up in a family where you were taught that girls and women can do anything. And your personality shows that, and also the way you act here as a President.

I highly appreciate the experience you had with empowering women and [the] programmes you are promoting here; you said that we will share this experience. I want to learn from you [about] the targeted instruments you have to empower women, what mistakes were there, what we should avoid, but also what worked and where we can proceed together and make a difference.

You are an outstanding role model. And I realise that for young girls and women in Ethiopia it must be a wonderful encouragement to see you at this place. So thank you again for sharing the time with me.

Thank you so much.