The actor and former bodybuilder mentioned the Russian politician “belongs to historical past” and that he was “unbelievably fortunate” to have referred to as him a good friend.
Gorbachev, who led the Communist Celebration of the Soviet Union from 1985 till 1991, died on Tuesday aged 91.
Sharing an image of the pair collectively on social media, Schwarzenegger wrote: “There’s an previous saying, ‘By no means meet your heroes.’ I feel that’s among the worst recommendation I’ve ever heard.
“Mikhail Gorbachev was one among my heroes, and it was an honour and a pleasure to fulfill him. I used to be unbelievably fortunate to name him a good friend.
“All of us can study from his improbable life.”
Beneath Gorbachev’s management the Soviet Union underwent a interval of Glasnost, throughout which Russian residents had been permitted extra freedom of expression.
In his put up, Schwarzenegger continued: “Think about rising to the very high of any organisation, after which having the knowledge AND the braveness to go searching and say, ‘This doesn’t work for the folks, somebody has to repair it. If not me, who? If not now, when?’
“Mikhail Gorbachev did precisely that within the previous Soviet Union. He will likely be remembered all the time as a hero who dismantled the communist system regardless of what it meant for his personal energy.
“He belongs to historical past now, and I do know he’s overjoyed to be reunited together with his expensive Raisa, as soon as once more residing one of many best love tales of all time.
“If you see an opportunity to make an affect, to depart a greater world for the following era, I hope you’ll take into consideration Gorbachev and ask your self, ‘If not me, who? If not now, when?’ I do know I’ll.”
