Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences on Thursday (November 30) over the death of former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, saying in a telegram to Kissinger's wife Nancy that he was a "wise and far-sighted statesman".
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Sputnik
“The name of Henry Kissinger is inextricably linked with a pragmatic foreign policy that helped to ease international tensions and reach the most important agreements between the Soviet Union and the United States, contributing to strengthening global security,” Putin said.
Mr Kissinger, who died on Wednesday at the age of 100, pursued dialogue between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1970s, leading to the first major nuclear arms control treaties between the two Cold War superpowers.
Five decades on, the war in Ukraine has brought tensions between Russia and the US to a boiling point, with the Kremlin describing the current state of relations as "below zero".
At a regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that “the Chinese people will remember Dr. Kissinger's sincere dedication and important contributions to China-US relations.”
Mr. Wang added that Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent condolences to President Joe Biden over Mr. Kissinger's passing.
Mr. Henry Kissinger talks with President Xi Jinping during his visit to China in July this year. Photo: Xinhua
Although controversial in the US and many other countries, Mr. Kissinger is highly regarded in China for his role in laying the foundation for the formation of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Washington.
In July 1971, Kissinger became the first senior U.S. official to visit China. His secret meetings with Chinese leaders paved the way for President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking trip the following year.
That visit opened the door to normalizing relations between the world's richest country and its most populous country in 1979.
Chinese state media noted that he has visited the country more than 100 times over half a century.
And even amid recent heightened tensions between the United States and China, Mr. Kissinger remains a strong advocate of active negotiation to avoid conflict.
Before his death, Mr. Kissinger managed to return to China in July. He met President Xi Jinping, who called him an “old friend” of China, during this visit.
Bui Huy (according to CCTV, TASS, Xinhua)
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