Washington: Henry Kissinger, the former US Secretary of State, passed away yesterday at the age of 100, his consulting firm announced.

“Dr. Henry Kissinger, a respected American scholar and statesman, died today at his home in Connecticut,” Kissinger Associates announced in a statement. The family is planning a private funeral, with a memorial service scheduled for later in New York.

The cause of death was not disclosed. Despite his age, Kissinger remained active, even making a trip to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in July, 2023.

One of Kissinger’s enduring legacies was his role in reshaping global dynamics after World War II. Seeking to alter the Cold War landscape against the Soviet Union, he engaged in secret negotiations with China, leading to President Richard Nixon’s historic visit in 1972 and the subsequent establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and Beijing.