Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who forged close ties with two Republican US presidents through a sweeping free trade agreement that was once vilified but now celebrated, died Thursday.

As former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is laid to rest, I know he will be remembered with fondness and gratitude by many in Canada, and around the world.

Brian Mulroney, the former prime minister of Canada, right, speaks at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico relationship, Jan. 30, ...

Brian Mulroney, the former prime minister of Canada, listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico relationship on Jan. 30, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Canada’s former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney has died at age 84 “peacefully, surrounded by family,” according to Canadian mediareports citing his daughter’s social post.

Brian Mulroney — who, as Canada's 18th prime minister, steered the country through a tumultuous period in national and world affairs — has died. He was 84.

Brian Mulroney, Canada’s 18th prime minister, whose statesmanship on what he called “great causes,” from free trade and acid rain in North America to the overthrow of apartheid in South ...

Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney arrives at Christ Church Cathedral for the National Commemorative Ceremony in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, in Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, Sept. 19, 2022.

FILE - Brian Mulroney, the former prime minister of Canada, listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico relationship, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, on Capitol ...

Mulroney, who died Feb. 29 at age 84, was prime minister for nine years between 1984 and 1993 and led the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada.

Canada’s former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney has died at age 84 “peacefully, surrounded by family,” according to Canadian mediareports citing his daughter’s social post.