"Having dedicated his life to public service, former President Chirac has worked tirelessly to preserve the values and ideals we share with France," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
"The first head of state to visit the United States after the attacks of 11 September 2001
The head of the American diplomacy recalled that the former French president described the United States as "a country I love, admire, respect and know well" for having studied and worked in the beginning of the 50s.
"We will never forget that (Jacques Chirac) was the first head of state to visit the United States after the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001," added Mike Pompeo.
"The United States and France have been side by side to promote democracy and peace in the world, a lasting relationship that continues today," he said.
The US secretary did not say anything about the French president's opposition to the Iraq conflict in 2003. This refusal to participate in the Washington-led war provoked tensions between the two countries for several years.
Silence of George W. Bush
Mike Pompeo is the first US government official to speak after the death of Jacques Chirac, in power from 1995 to 2007 and died Thursday at the age of 86 years.
Former US President George W. Bush, the architect of the intervention in Iraq, has also not expressed himself, unlike his predecessor Bill Clinton, who praised Thursday "a daring and talented statesman".
The White House said Sunday that the American ambassador to France, Jamie McCourt, would represent his country during official homage ceremonies scheduled Monday in France. About thirty foreign heads of state and government, including Russia's Vladimir Putin, are expected in Paris.
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