PM Modi mourns demise of former German Chancellor Kohl

Our condolences at the demise of Mr. Helmut Kohl - statesman, architect of German unification & ardent believer in European integration: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 16, 2017

Mr. Helmut Kohl visited India in 1986 and 1993. We value his contribution in strengthening India-Germany ties: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 16, 2017

The death of 87-year-old Kohl was announced by the Christian Democratic Union party with a memorial message.

Former US President Bill Clinton -- who honored Kohl with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999 -- mourned the loss of his friend, saying his "visionary leadership prepared Germany and all of Europe for the 21st century."

"He was called upon to answer some of the most monumental questions of his time, and in answering them correctly he made possible the reunification of a strong, prosperous Germany and the creation of the European Union," Clinton said in a statement.

Kohl, who served as chancellor for 16 years -- from 1982 to 1998 -- and was Germany's longest-serving leader since 1945, worked assiduously for the reunification of West and

East Germany, who were separated post World War II.

Kohl became chancellor of West Germany in 1982 and served until 1990, then became chancellor of Germany after reunification.

After the Soviet Union relinquished control of Eastern Europe, Kohl launched his push for reunification, with constant reassurances to Western leaders that a united Germany posed no threat.

-ANI