Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has expressed her condolences following the death of Horst Köhler, a former Managing Director of the IMF. In her statement, Georgieva acknowledged Köhler's leadership during his tenure from 2000 to 2004 and highlighted his contributions to the organization.
Georgieva stated, "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Horst Köhler, who was the eighth Managing Director of the Fund and ably led our institution between 2000 and 2004. Mr. Köhler will be remembered for his many contributions, and in particular for navigating the Fund's work through the difficult period after September 11, 2001."
Köhler played a significant role in Germany’s unification in 1990 as Deputy Finance Minister and contributed to drafting the legal framework for introducing the euro. Before joining the IMF, he served as president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. After leaving the IMF in 2004, he became president of Germany.
Georgieva noted Köhler's commitment to addressing global issues: "Throughout a large part of his life, he was particularly devoted to drawing the world’s attention to the needs of the African continent – something many of us at the Fund greatly admired."
She extended condolences on behalf of the IMF to Köhler’s family: "On behalf of the IMF, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Köhler’s family – his wife Eva, his two children Ulrike and Jochen, and his grandchildren. Mr. Köhler led a life of distinguished public service and leaves behind a profound legacy of dedication to fairness and justice and an unfailing concern for others."