Germany's Merkel congratulates Duterte, wishes for lasting peace in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and expressed hopes for a lasting peace settlement in Mindanao.

"In particular, I wish you and your country, that the peace process in Mindanao may soon lead to a lasting peace settlement," Merkel said in a statement released on Monday.

Merkel noted that the relationship between Germany and the Philippines is marked by friendship and trust, which are shared values between the two nations.

"This includes the belief that democracy, human rights, rule of law and economic growth that benefits all segments of the population to good, are essential for sustainable development," Merkel said in German.

The German leader wished Duterte success for his new responsibilities as the Philippines' top government official.

Merkel, the first female German Chancellor, is the most powerful woman on the planet, according to Forbes magazine. She was also named as Time magazine's person of the year in 2015.