From Trudeau to Orban: World leaders react to Jimmy Carter's death, recall his long-lasting legacy

Leaders from around the world extended condolences following the death of the 39th US President Jimmy Carter. The longest-living American president passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. While Carter lasted in the White House for only one term, he is known for leading several consequential foreign policy initiatives that still endure today. This included a Middle East peace deal between Israel and Egypt, the normalization of relations with China and the handing over of the Panama Canal to Panama.

Despite a brief stint in the Oval Office, Carter had one of the most distinguished post-presidential careers. In 2002, the former president was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”

However, one of the major reasons why Carter stayed in office for only four years is because he was widely criticised for some of his foreign policy failures. He was slammed for the poor handling of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, in which dozens of American citizens were held captive for 444 days by Iranian revolutionaries who had stormed the US embassy in Tehran. The Middle Eastern nation was angered by America’s support to Iran’s authoritarian ruler Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Not only this, he also garnered anger after America was blindsided by the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.

Here’s what world leaders said

Following are statements of condolences released by the leaders from around the world following Carter’s death:

Biden and Trump

In a joint statement, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden remembered the former president, calling him a “dear friend”.  “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” the Bidens said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism,” the statement continued.

Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump also extended condolences following Carter’s demise. “The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude,” Trump wrote in a post on TruthSocial. “Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers,” he added.

Panama President José Raúl Mulino

“I offer my condolences to the family and to the people and government of the United States on the death of former President Jimmy Carter. His time in the White House marked complex times, which were crucial for Panama in order to negotiate and agree on the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which achieved the transfer of the canal to Panamanian hands and the full sovereignty of our country. May his soul rest in peace.”

French President Emmanuel Macron

“Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

“I was very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

“We express our heartfelt condolences to the American people and to the family of former US President Jimmy Carter on his passing. He was a leader who served during a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom. We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression."

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban

“The memory of President Jimmy Carter will always be cherished in Hungary. By returning the Holy Crown to the people of Hungary at the end of the 70’s, he gave freedom-loving Hungarians hope in a hopeless time. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Carter family and the American people.”

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life — and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people who are mourning a former president and a lifelong humanitarian. May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come.”

After leaving the presidency, Carter travelled the world as a peace emissary, election observer and public health advocate. In 1994 he visited North Korea and in 2002 he embarked on a trip to Cuba, America’s biggest adversaries. The Carter Center is credited with helping to cure river blindness, trachoma and Guinea worm disease, which went from millions of cases in Africa and Asia in 1986 to a handful today.