Tributes have been pouring in from world leaders to Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th US president from 1977 until 1981.
Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown says Jimmy Carter was an unlikely president with great achievements, but he remembers him most for his personal qualities.
“He was modest, unassuming. He and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who was his closest advisor, lived very frugal lives. He refused to take any money personally for speeches and everything he did after he became president. He was incredibly humble,” Brown told the Today programme on BBC’s radio 4.
“When you met him, he treated everyone equally, he was subservient to no one and he was condescending to no one.”
Speaking about his time as president, Brown says Carter would have admitted that as an “unlikely candidate for president” that he was “not properly prepared to be president”.
Brown adds that his achievements include striking a Middle East peace deal between Israel and Egypt, but points out he was “engulfed by problems” such as the first oil crisis and rampant inflation.

China has offered its condolences over the death of Jimmy Carter, saying the former president was the “driving force” behind the establishment of diplomatic ties between both countries more than 40 years ago.
Under Carter, the US formally established diplomatic relations with Communist China in 1979, with Carter welcoming Deng Xiaoping to the White House – the first visit by a Chinese Communist leader to America.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry, says Carter “made important contributions to the development of China-United States relations and the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries”.

Nasa chief Bill Nelson describes the former president as a “pinnacle of a public servant, dedicating his life to making our world a better place” in a statement honouring his legacy.
Nelson adds that Nasa’s Voyager 1 probe – the most distant human-made object from Earth – carries the following message from Carter:
“If one such civilization intercepts Voyager and can understand these recorded contents, here is our message: This is a present from a small distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts, and our feelings. We are attempting to survive our time so we may live into yours. We hope someday, having solved the problems we face, to join a community of galactic civilizations. This record represents our hope and our determination, and our good will in a vast and awesome universe.”
Here are some more remarks from leaders around the world:
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says: “His significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood”
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau describes Carter’s legacy as “one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work” and says “he served others both at home and around the world his entire life — and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me”
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino says Carter’s White House stint was “crucial” for Panama in negotiating the 1977 treaty “which transferred the [Panama] Canal into Panamanian hands and made our country truly sovereign”
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro describes Carter as a “man of proven commitment to peace and dialogue”, adding “his contributions to global politics and his dedication to peace have left an indelible mark on the world”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says: “President Carter rose from humble beginnings to leave a remarkable legacy. Beyond being elected to the presidency or being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Jimmy Carter’s legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted”
In a post on X, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says “the world has lost a great mediator for peace in the Middle East and for human rights”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Carter was “motivated by his strong faith and values” and that he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”
The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says Carter’s leadership “contributed significantly to international peace and security” – and his commitment to peace continued after he left office
French President Emmanuel Macron describes him as a “steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable”, adding he has “tirelessly fought for peace”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Carter is “a leader who served during a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom”