USA
Biden after Kissinger’s death: We often disagreed
“Over the course of our careers, we often disagreed. And often strongly,” says US President Joe Biden about Henry Kissinger. photo
© Doug Mills/Pool The New York Times/AP/dpa
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger died on Wednesday at the age of 100. Now US President Biden is speaking out for the first time after the politician’s death.
US President Joe Biden has the former US Secretary of State who died on Wednesday Henry Kissinger recognized for his “sharp intellect.” “Throughout our careers, we have often disagreed. And often strongly,” Biden said in a brief statement – almost a day after Kissinger’s death was announced.
Even long after he left government, Kissinger contributed his views and ideas to the most important political discussions across several generations, the US President said.
Biden reacted to Kissinger’s death noticeably late – and briefly. The question had previously arisen at the White House’s daily press conference as to why Biden had not yet commented on the death of the foreign politician. National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby said nothing should be read into it. He also emphasized that not everyone agreed with Kissinger’s views.
The former US Secretary of State died on Wednesday at the age of 100. Kissinger is considered one of the most important diplomats of the 20th century. However, critics saw the foreign politician as an unscrupulous power politician who also supported dictatorships – as long as it only served his interests.