Washington [US], July 12 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) mourned the death of his close ally, US Senator Lindsey Graham, saying that he was 'one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known'.

In a statement posted to his Truth Social platform, the President praised the 71-year-old South Carolina Republican as a 'true American Patriot' who was 'always working'.

Trump expressed his grief, noting that the senator 'will be greatly missed' and promising that further details and arrangements would follow.

'Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad! President DONALD J. TRUMP,' he wrote.

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close aide of US President Donald Trump, passed away on Saturday evening after a 'brief and sudden illness', his office said on Sunday.

In a statement, Graham's office said the family of the Republican Senator from South Carolina had sought privacy during the difficult time.

'On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,' the statement said. Senate Majority leader John Thune also remembered his 'friend and colleague,' saying that Graham was a strong ally to freedom-loving countries.'Lindsey's long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause,' Thune wrote on X.

Graham was elected to the US Senate in 2002, succeeding Republican Senator and former South Carolina Governor Strom Thurmond. Thune remebered how numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel, highlighting how Graham has influenced various branches of government.

'As South Carolina's senior senator, Lindsey fought passionately for the Palmetto State. He was a trusted adviser and colleague to me and many others, and numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel. His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations,' Thune wrote.

Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (local time) condoled the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, who had been a fierce advocate of Israel.

Netanyahu said that Graham was a great friend of Israel.

In a post on X, he said, 'Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. In our recent meeting, I said, 'Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.' Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America is inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.''Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend. Our hearts are with Lindsey's family and with the American people at this difficult time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing.'

Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also remembered the US Senator, calling him a 'true defender of freedom.''Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,' Zelenskyy's post on X read.

Highlighting how Graham had worked on helping bring a ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, President Zelenskyy remembered how the US Senator constantly advocated for bipartisan support for Ukraine. He said, 'A staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks, he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia. We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine's defenders.' (ANI)