I join the world today in mourning the death of a true statesman, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. My heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Maike, extended family and friends, and the German people.

Chancellor Kohl was a friend to the United States during a transformative period for Germany and Europe as a whole. Known as the “Chancellor of Unity,” Chancellor Kohl he led West Germany through reunification and became the first chancellor of a unified Germany.

His work helped advance our shared vision of building a peaceful and democratic Europe.