Political figures from around the world have paid tribute to US Senator John McCain who has died aged 81.
He died on Saturday (local time), just a day after it was announced he would be ending his treatment for brain cancer.
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The Republican represented Arizona in the Senate and House of Representatives for 35 years. He ran for President in 2008 against Barack Obama, who would go on to become the country's first black leader.
President Obama and his wife Michelle issued a touching statement about Senator McCain's death:
"John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics.
But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher - the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched and sacrificed."
He also mentioned Senator McCain's service as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam war, during which he was captured and tortured which left him with permanent disabilities.
"Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own.
"At John's best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt."
Current President Donald Trump also offered his condolences, tweeting: "My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!"
Former Secretary of State and Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called him a "tough politician and a trusted colleague".
Other US politicians from both ends of the political spectrum have paid tribute to Senator McCain, including Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney and Bernie Sanders.
Sarah Palin, his running mate in the 2008 election, called Senator McCain "an American original".
"John never took the easy path in life - and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self."
The newly-instated Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted that Senator McCain was a "true friend of Australia".
New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has offered his condolences to the United States and to Senator McCain's family.
"My deepest and sincerest sympathies go to the family of Senator John McCain at this very sad time," he said in a statement.
"Senator McCain was a man of principle who dedicated his life to the service of his country. He was an inspirational leader and war hero; a man of integrity and bravery."
Mr Peters met with Senator McCain several times in his capacity as Foreign Affairs Minister, which he says was an "honour".
"He was a strong supporter of New Zealand's close partnership with the United States. The tributes to his record of service have rarely been more deserved.
"His leadership qualities will be missed by the people of the United States."
Newshub.
