Renowned diplomat and former U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, has passed away at the age of 100.

He leaves the world mourning the loss of a statesman whose legacy was marked by his enduring commitment to diplomacy and international relations.

Kissinger, who served under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, was celebrated for his role in shaping the United States’ foreign policy during the Cold War era. His commitment to diplomacy, marked by his tireless efforts to build bridges between nations, earned him the reputation of being “endlessly generous” in his pursuit of peaceful solutions to global conflicts.

He died at his home in Connecticut, according to his consulting firm Kissinger Associates, although his cause of death was not revealed.

Throughout his career, Kissinger played pivotal roles in landmark diplomatic negotiations, including the opening of relations with China and the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, which brought an end to the Vietnam War. His contributions extended beyond his official duties, as he continued to advocate for international cooperation and understanding long after leaving office.

As the world pays tribute to this diplomatic giant, his legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring value of diplomacy in an ever-changing global landscape.

Tributes flow

Former US president George W. Bush said Kissinger was one of America’s “most dependable and distinctive voices on foreign affairs”.

“I have long admired the man who fled the Nazis as a young boy from a Jewish family, then fought them in the United States Army,” he said.

“When he later became Secretary of State, his appointment as a former refugee said as much about his greatness as it did America’s greatness.

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