WASHINGTON – Leaders around the world paid tribute to former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger who died on Nov 29 at age 100.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hailed Dr Kissinger’s “significant contributions” to peace and stability in Asia.

Dr Kissinger “made significant contributions to the regional peace and stability, including the normalisation of diplomatic ties between the US and China”, Mr Kishida told reporters.

“I’d like to express my most sincere respect to the great achievements he made,” Mr Kishida added.

“I also would like to offer my condolences.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences, saying in a telegram to Dr Kissinger’s widow Nancy that he was a “wise and far-sighted statesman”.

“The name of Henry Kissinger is inextricably linked with a pragmatic foreign policy line, which at one time made it possible to achieve detente in international tensions and reach the most important Soviet-American agreements that contributed to the strengthening of global security,” Mr Putin added.

“I had the opportunity to personally communicate with this deep, extraordinary man many times, and I will undoubtedly retain the fondest memory of him.”

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Dr Kissinger left a lasting impact on international politics.

“The century of Henry Kissinger was no easy one, but its great challenges fit his great and curious mind. He changed its pace and the face of diplomacy,” Mr Kuleba said in English on social media.

“Crisp in thoughts, prolific in writings. His intellectual legacy will continue to influence the understanding of diplomacy and world order.”

The Chinese ambassador to the United States described Dr Kissinger – who engineered the US’ opening to China – as an “old friend”.

“It is a tremendous loss for both our countries and the world,” Mr Xie Feng said in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

“History will remember what the centenarian had contributed to China-US relations, and he will always remain alive in the hearts of the Chinese people as a most valued old friend.”

Former US president George W. Bush said with Dr Kissinger’s death, the US has lost one of the most dependable and distinctive voices on foreign affairs.

“He worked in the administrations of two presidents and counselled many more. I am grateful for that service and advice, but I am most grateful for his friendship,” he said.

European Council president Charles Michel described Dr Kissinger as a “strategist with attention to the smallest detail”, and a “kind human” with a “brilliant mind who, over one hundred years, shaped the destinies of some of the most important events of the century”.

Dr Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, paid tribute to Dr Kissinger’s diplomatic skills, saying that his strategies has shaped global politics throughout the 20th century.

“His influence and legacy will continue to reverberate well into the 21st century,” she said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Dr Kissinger’s commitment to the transatlantic friendship between the US and Germany was significant, and he always remained close to his German homeland.

“The world has lost a great diplomat,” Mr Scholz added.

Mr Winston Lord, former US ambassador to China, who served as Dr Kissinger’s special assistant, saluted his former boss as a “tireless advocate for peace”, saying: “America has lost a towering champion for the national interest.” AFP, REUTERS