Leaders from across the world on Saturday paid tribute to the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush, who passed away on Friday at the age of 94.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas described Bush as a "great statesman and friend of Germany."

Bush was instrumental in German reunification and "supported it from the beginning without reservations," Maas said. "We will never forget that."

The late president was an ardent supporter of a unified Germany as well as Western Europe as the Cold War unraveled in the early 1990s.

'New international order'

Others honored Bush for his role in promoting a rules-based international order.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev said Bush was present at "a time of great change," adding that his leadership contributed to "the end of the Cold and nuclear arms race."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Bush "was a strong supporter of the international rules-based system, the rule of law and democratic values."

"[Bush's] statesmanship played a key role in helping to end the Cold War, which brought democracy to millions of people in Europe and diminished the threat of nuclear war."

Bush tried to "create a new international order based on justice and equality among nations," said Kuwaiti leader Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. He never "forgot the Kuwaiti people and will remain in their memory."

When Saddam Hussein's forces invaded Kuwait, Bush launched the US-led offensive against Iraq, culminating in the First Gulf War.

'Inspired generations'

US President Donald Trump said Bush "inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service."

"George H.W. Bush's life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling," said former US President Barack Obama. "And he did tremendous good along the journey."

Former US President Bill Clinton, who beat Bush in the 1992 election but went on to become good friends with his once-rival, said he "will be forever grateful for the friendship we formed."

"From the moment I met him as a young governor invited to his home in Kennebunkport, I was struck by the kindness he showed to Chelsea [Clinton's daughter], by his innate and genuine decency, and by his devotion to Barbara [Bush], his children and their growing brood," Clinton said.