The UN chief said that the former President, who was in office from 1989 to 1993 –preceded by Ronald Reagan and succeeded by Bill Clinton – was “a leader who served the United States with distinction and supported the United Nations with dedication.”

George H.W. Bush had a long history with the United Nations: between 1971 and 1973 he was the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations and, in 2005 former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed him as Special Envoy for the South Asia Earthquake Disaster.

Guterres said in his statement that “George H. W. Bush worked productively with and through the United Nations. Across the years I was consistently impressed by his compassion, instinct for moderation and commitment to public service.  At this time of loss, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the Government and people of the United States.”