Following the death of Costas Simitis, who served as prime minister of Greece from 1996 to 2004, Tony Blair offered this tribute:
“I am very sad to hear the news of the passing of Costas Simitis. We worked closely together when we were in office. I found him always and in every situation kind, thoughtful and intelligent, with a strong commitment to the interests of Greece, but also with a deep dedication to the wellbeing of Europe and its nations.
“Though from the traditional left side of politics, he recognised completely the need to modernise, understanding that the values of democratic socialism had to be realised differently for the 21st century.
“I enjoyed his company and had a great respect for him as a person and as a leader. My profound condolences to his family, friends and country.”