German FM calls Helmut Kohl a 'great European'

The two leaders were marking the 70th anniversary of the start of World War I in Verdun.

Still, the "blooming landscapes" that Kohl promised East German voters during reunification were slow to come after the collapse of its communist economy, and massive aid to the east pushed up German government debt. "A truly great German has died", said Gabriel in a statement. But, Kohl gained the support of both the Soviet Union and the USA and by October 1990, West and East were once more a single country for the first time since the end of WWII, and Helmut Kohl was the leader of the Unified Germany.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised Mr Kohl as the "architect" of German reunification.

The following year, Kohl plunged his party into crisis when he admitted accepting undeclared - and therefore illegal - donations during his time as chancellor. He led the nation until 1998, which made hime the longest-serving chancellor since World War II. Kohl's new coalition with the FDP and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) party won the 1983 West German elections. In 1982, he became Chancellor in a coalition with the FDP. "In this moment, I am thinking with great respect and great gratitude on that life and work".

"As the first chancellor of a unified Germany since 1945 he was a giant of European history".

Merkel lauded his contribution to German and European integration in 2012, on the 30th anniversary of his becoming chancellor, declaring that Europeans were "united in our luck" thanks to Kohl s efforts. The UN chief served as Portuguese prime minister between 1995 and 2002.

CNN reported that Clinton said "I will never forget walking with him through the Brandenburg Gate in 1994 for a large rally on the eastern side, and seeing genuine hope in the eyes of tens of thousands of young people".

Ukrainian President Petro Poroschenko said "Kohl was a political giant, a European visionary and true statesman". These relationships became invaluable when East Germany began to unexpectedly collapse in 1989: Kohl was able to address concerns of global parties on all sides while also on the domestic intricacies of reunification.

"We mourn", the CDU tweeted with a picture of the former chancellor.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed "great sadness" on the passing of former Chancellor of Germany, Helmut Kohl, saying that "today's Europe is a product of his (Kohl's) vision and his tenacity, in the face of enormous obstacles".

"The 21st century in Europe really began on his watch", Clinton said, describing Kohl as "a man who was big in more than physical stature".