World leaders representing some of the United States’ closest allies and countries friendly to the United States paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, a longtime peacemaker and humanitarian.
Mr. Carter was elected in 1976 and served one term, passing away on Sunday at the age of 100.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the Camp David Accords, a historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, during his term as president, and went on to work to promote democracy and affordable housing, and to support others. He particularly admired Mr. Carter’s spirit of helping his country.
Mr Starmer said in a statement late on Sunday: “His presidency will be remembered as the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it is his lifelong dedication to peace that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. This led to the award.”
Starmer said that although Carter’s achievements as president were clouded by the Iran hostage crisis that began in late 1979, he took bold and lasting action long after leaving the White House.
The Arab League, a group of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, on Monday praised Carter’s “tireless efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East,” which “culminated in the signing of the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.” said.
“We also remember him with gratitude as a genuine and persistent defender of the rights of oppressed Palestinians,” the statement added. “He was a man characterized by courage and political integrity.”
Meanwhile, the Vatican said Pope Francis was “saddened” to learn of Carter’s death.
The statement added that the pope was “motivated by a deep Christian faith and a firm commitment to reconciliation and peace among peoples, to the defense of human rights and to the welfare of the poor and needy.” .
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday praised Carter for being a voice for the voiceless and fighting for a more peaceful world.
“Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a staunch defender of the rights of the most vulnerable and has worked tirelessly for peace,” President Macron said on the TV program “X.” I send my heartfelt thoughts to his family and the American people.”
Britain’s King Charles III joined other world leaders on Sunday. In a statement, he praised Carter’s “promotion of peace and human rights.”
The King said: “His dedication and humility were an inspiration to many. I remember his visit to the UK in 1977 very fondly.”
He also expressed his condolences to Mr. Carter’s family and “the American people.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his sadness in a statement and said he “praying for the repose of the soul” of the late president.
“I would like to once again express my deep respect to President Carter, who has made significant contributions to strengthening the Japan-U.S. friendly relationship and maintaining peace and stability in the international community.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has described Carter as a comrade in the fight for national sovereignty, even though the late President Carter was in office in the late 1970s, a period when Ukraine was unhappy under the Soviet Union. It coincided with the time.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the American people and to the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter,” President Zelensky said on the TV program “X.” “He was a leader who served us at a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, but his heart kept us grounded in our ongoing struggle for freedom.”
Among Western leaders, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote one of the longer responses to Mr. Carter’s death. He praised the late president’s life of public service dedicated to the betterment of people, and credited his wife Rosalyn, who passed away in 2023, for providing him with essential support.
“Jimmy Carter’s legacy is best measured by lives changed, saved and uplifted,” Albanese told X.
“Thanks to the work of the Carter Center, people are living free from debilitating diseases,” he said. “People have a safe home to call home, and we owe it to all the people he inspired to contribute to Habitat for Humanity. His tireless work as a negotiator Thanks to his efforts, people were spared the casualties of conflict. …Our world is a better place for Jimmy.” May Carter’s life and legacy rest in eternal peace. ”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said the country might have been much different without the 1978 Camp David Accords peace accords that President Carter led for 16 months, saying the late president He said he had shaped history for the better.
“His important role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in history, and his humanitarian work embodies the high standards of love, peace and brotherhood.” Sisi said. “For his enduring accomplishments, he will be remembered as one of the world’s most distinguished leaders in the service of humanity.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Carter a “courageous and beloved man” and agreed that the treaty is a cornerstone of Middle East diplomatic relations and a historic achievement for a U.S. president. did.
“President Carter will always be fondly remembered in Israel, and his legacy will be remembered for his deep dedication to promoting peace between peoples,” Herzog said in a statement. “The peace he led between Israel and Egypt is considered a historic and landmark diplomatic achievement, and decades later it continues to serve as a bastion of stability in the Middle East and North Africa.”
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino praised Carter for helping his country achieve control of the Panama Canal, a waterway within its borders that is critical to global trade.
The remarks came days after President-elect Donald Trump suggested the United States could take control of the canal as Panama demands significant funding for its use. President Trump also said without evidence that China operates the canal.
Mulino said Carter accomplished important work during a time that was not easy for Panama.
“His stay in the White House came at a complicated time, a period that was critical for Panama’s negotiation and signing of the 1977 Treaty of Torrijos-Carter, which ceded the canal and achieved full sovereignty for our country,” Mulino said. “It was,” he said. “May his soul rest in peace.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Carter’s dedication and advice.
“Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy and hard work,” Prime Minister Trudeau said on “X”. I loved doing it,” he said.
Prime Minister Trudeau called Carter a “lifelong humanitarian” and said, “May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come.”
China on Monday expressed its “deepest condolences” over Carter’s death and praised the late president for strengthening U.S.-China relations by formally recognizing Beijing’s position on Taiwan in 1979.
“President Carter was a key promoter of the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations and made great contributions to the long-term development of China-US relations and friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries,” Mao Ning said. Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Carter administration switched Washington’s diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China in Taipei to the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, severing ties with the autonomous islands and recognizing only one China. China still claims that Taiwan is part of its territory.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid tribute to Carter, calling him “a lover of democracy and a defender of peace.”
He noted that Carter pressured Brazil’s dictator to release political prisoners in the late 1970s and campaigned for human rights, peace and the eradication of disease in Africa and Latin America.
“He will forever be remembered as a champion of peace as the most important condition for development,” Lula said.
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