On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel at her official home. This was the first time a foreign leader has been hosted at the Naval Observatory. The two powerful women leaders made brief welcoming remarks for the press before moving inside. The breakfast was scheduled to be a “working breakfast.” The German Chancellor will meet President Biden at the White House in the afternoon, followed by a press conference. He will host a private dinner at the White House, on Thursday night.
The Vice President said that she was pleased to welcome the Chancellor and that she knew they were the fourth administration that Merkel has worked alongside throughout her career. Harris also said that she wished to thank the leader for her years of leadership and was proud that she was the first Vice President to host Merkel at the Naval Observatory, the official residence of the Vice President of the United States of America.
She also said that she said that she was honored to see Merkel and that she looked forward to their conversation. She also mentioned that the relationship between the U.S. and Germany was founded on many “shared values” and included a commitment to fostering democracy worldwide.
Merkel responded through a translator and said that she was also delighted by the opportunity to meet the “first Madam Vice President of the United States of America.” Merkel added that she also thought that the two countries could cooperate with each other and boost values.
I had a wide-ranging discussion with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. We discussed strengthening democratic institutions and the transatlantic relationship, and addressing shared challenges like health and climate. @POTUS and I will work to deepen the U.S.-German partnership. pic.twitter.com/Ur1bRQmjI1
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 15, 2021
Following this exchange Kamal Harris escorted Merkel to her home for breakfast. The menu included:
- a gruyere soufflé with arugula salad made with herbs from the home’s garden and seasonal fresh fruits
- freshly baked sourdough bread
- prosciutto
- salami
- cucumber
- orange juice
- coffee
A White House official said that the two powerful women had discussions that covered wide ranging topics. Some of them were domestic while others were international issues. They also spoke about the past and the present – the history between the two nations and future endeavors.
This is Angela Merkel’s last term as German Chancellor. The successful leader of not only Germany but indirectly the entire European Union is stepping down this fall and has indicated that she will not fight another election despite her popularity.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been facing criticism, some of which can be attributed to gender bias, but she has the total confidence of President Biden as he has put her in charge of several important and difficult issues that challenge the nation.
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