Mikhail Gorbachev’s statement on the death of Margaret Thatcher

The news of Margaret Thatcher’s death is very sad news indeed. I was aware of her grave illness; the last time we met was several years ago. I offer my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

Mrs. Thatcher was a political leader whose words carried great weight. Our first meeting in 1984 was the start of a relationship that, though at times complicated and not always smooth, was marked with seriousness and mutual responsibility. We gradually developed a personal rapport which became increasingly friendly over the years. Eventually, we reached the degree of mutual understanding that contributed to a change in the atmosphere between the Soviet Union and the West and helped to end the Cold War.

Margaret Thatcher was a great political leader and an extraordinary personality. She will remain in our memory and in history.

Mikhail Gorbachev,
8 April 2013