'A towering champion': Tributes from the world of US politics pour in for Henry Kissinger

The world of US politics has paid tribute to former secretary of state Henry Kissinger who has died aged 100.

Dr Kissinger’s family announced he had passed away at his home in Connecticut on Wednesday.

The daughters of President Richard Nixon, who their father served under as secretary of state and national security adviser during the Vietnam War described him as “one of America’s most skilled diplomats”.

Henry Kissinger has died aged 100

Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, said: “On behalf of our family, and of all those who worked with our father and Dr Henry A. Kissinger in a partnership that produced a generation of peace for our nation, we express our deepest condolences on the passing of one of America’s most skilled diplomats.

“Dr Kissinger played an important role in the historic opening to the People’s Republic of China and in advancing détente with the Soviet Union, bold initiatives which initiated the beginning of the end of the Cold War.

“His “shuttle diplomacy” to the Middle East helped to advance the relaxation of tensions in that troubled region of the world.

Former United States secretary of state Henry Kissinger has died aged 100

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‘I owe everything to Richard Nixon,’ Henry told us on more than one occasion. Together, Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger advanced the great cause of peace and freedom, and today, he joins our parents in eternal rest.”

George W Bush called Dr Kissinger “one of the most dependable and distinctive voices on foreign affairs”.

In a tribute, which also featured a portrait of the former secretary painted by the former president, he added: “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.

“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.”

Senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney paid tribute to Dr Kissinger on X describing him as a “great one” and saying: “Fortunate indeed is America for his lifetime of diplomacy, wisdom, and love of freedom.”

Winston Lord, former US ambassador to China and Dr Kissinger’s one time special assistant said: “The world has lost a tireless advocate for peace.

“America has lost a towering champion for the national interest. I have lost a cherished friend and mentor.

“Henry blended the European sense of tragedy and the American immigrant’s sense of hope.”

Cindy McCain, the wife of late Senator John McCain said: “Henry Kissinger was ever present in my late husband’s life.

“While John was a POW and in the later years as a senator & statesman.

“The McCain family will miss his wit, charm, and intelligence terribly.”

Dr Kissinger is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, two children by his first marriage, David and Elizabeth, and five grandchildren.

According to the statement from Kissinger Associates: “He will be interred at a private family service. At a later date, there will be a memorial service in New York City.”

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