The world is mourning and saddened by untimely death of the 18th Prime Minister of Canada,Brian Mulroney who passed away on Thursday at the age of 84.
Mulroney would be remembered as one of the world leaders who stood against the South African apartheid rule which was led by minority and that rule ended in 1994.
During his time as the Prime Minister of Canada he proved to be a visionary and an exceptional leader when he successfully negotiated one of most remarkable free trade agreement with the United States of America(USA).
Mulroney was the head of government of Canada from 1984 to 1993 and was a leader of the Progressive Conservatives between 1983 to 1993.
The current Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudea has described Mulroney as the man that loved his country and he did a lot of great things for Canada as a whole.
"I learned with great sadness today of the death of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney,former Prime Minister of Canada.
Mr Mulroney loved Canada.After a distinguished business and legal career,he became Prime Minister in 1984 and made significant progress on important issues here at home and around the world.He negotiated the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement and,later,the expanded North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States and Mexico.He worked hard to build bridges between French and English Canada.He was at the forefront of environmental issues,helping secure an air quality agreement with the United States to reduce acid rain,championing the first Canadian Environmental Protection Act,and creating several new national parks.And he exemplified Canadian values,standing up against apartheid in South Africa,"said Justin Trudea Prime Minister of Canada.
Trudea also revealed that Mulroney was still active in different structures of Canadian society even after leaving his political life.
"After leaving office,Mr Mulroney continued to lead an active life,serving on corporate boards and becoming chair of Quebecor Inc. and Forbes Global Business and Finance.He was also a senior partner at Norton Rose Fullbright Canada,a Montreal-based international law firm,for almost 30 years.Mr Mulroney never stopped working for Canadians,and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home.
"For his many accomplishments,Mr Mulroney received numerous honours and awards,including the Order of Canada,the Ordre national du Quebec,and the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service.A globally respected and recognized leader,Mr Mulroney was also awarded some of the highest recognition from governments around the world.
"As we mourn his passing and keep his family and friends in our thoughts,let us also acknowledge - and celebrate - Mr Mulroney's role in building the modern,dynamic,and prosperous country we all know today," Justin Trudea concludes.
South Africa mourns and worship Mulroney
South Africans are heartbroken and mourn the death of Brian Mulroney because he played a crucial role to liberate black South Africans from Afrikaners apartheid rule which collapsed after 1994 democratic elections.
The Presidency said on behalf of Government and the nation,President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the government and people of Canada and especially Mr Mulroney's family on the passing of a leader who holds a special place in South Africa's history.
The Presidency added on Freedom Day 2015,Mr Mulroney was honoured with the National Order of the Companions of OR Tambo(Gold) "for his exceptional contribution to the liberation movement of South Africa.His steadfast support for the release of Nelson Mandela and for imposing sanctions on South Africa's apartheid regime led to a free,democratic,non-sexist and non-racial South Africa".
Ramaphosa has described Mulroney as a true friend of the Republic of South Africa for his unwavering support for oppressed South Africans.
"Prime Minister Mulroney led Canada during a critical decade in which our struggle for freedom culminated in the dismantling of apartheid.
"During his term,he spoke out against apartheid,advocated the economic isolation of the regime and took a stand when many in the international community were wavering.
"For us,his passing is made profound by the fact that we have lost this friend and ally in the year in which we are marking 30 years of freedom and in which we pay tribute to all those around the world who supported our struggle for freedom and democracy.May his soul rest in peace,"said President Ramaphosa.