Georgian leaders offer condolences over death of former German Chancellor

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili expressed his sadness over the death of former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

Helmut Kohl’s name is associated with the unification of Germany – one of the most significant events in the world. He has contributed a lot to the political and economic integration of Europe and the struggle for peace”, Prime Minister Kvirikashvili said.

Kvirikashvili further noted that the Georgian people remember well how Kohl had supported Georgia in its heaviest times, when the country was making its first steps to return to its European family after regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1990s.

Saddened to hear Chancellor #Kohl passed away.My heartfelt condolences to #German people for the loss of great architect of their unity& #EU

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) June 16, 2017

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili also offered his condolences to the German people. He said Kohl was "a leader of epochal importance” who has played a decisive role in ending the Cold War and unification of Europe.

His merit in the development of Georgia-German relationship is huge. Georgian people have lost a very loyal friend whose support has been so vivid for us throughout the years”, President Margvelashvili said.

Kohl, who presided as chancellor over both German reunification and the creation of the eurozone, died aged 87, The Guardian reported.