(CNN) -- Edward Gough Whitlam, the former Australian Prime Minister who strengthened ties abroad, has died, the Australian government said Monday. At 98 years old, he was the longest-lived Prime Minister in Australia's history. He served as the country's 21st Prime Minister, from 1972 to 1975. "We remember his lifetime of service to Australia in the Royal Australian Air Force, as a parliamentarian, as Prime Minister and as an ambassador," the government announcement said. "Gough Whitlam was a giant of his time." Under his leadership, Australia entered into a number of international agreements that shaped Australia's economy. Whitlam established diplomatic relations between Australia and China, and was the first Australian Prime Minister to visit there, according to the government statement. China is now Australia's largest trading partner. People we've lost in 2014 .
Former Australian Prime Minister Edward Gough Whitlam has passed away . Whitlam, who was 98, was Australia's longest-lived Prime Minister . He is remembered for the international links he created .