NARA, Japan — Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving leader, died on Friday after being shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election.
Abe, who sought to lift the economy out of chronic deflation with his bold “Abenomics” policies, beef up the military and counter China’s growing clout, died at 67.
Here are some reactions so far according to Reuters:
CHINA
The Chinese embassy in Japan expressed condolences over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday in a shooting attack.
“Former Prime Minister Abe made contributions towards improving China-Japan relations during his term. We express our condolences on his death and send our sympathies to his family,” an embassy spokesman said on the embassy website.
ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER MARIO DRAGHI
“Italy is shocked by this terrible attack, which hits Japan and free democratic debate. Abe was a great protagonist of Japanese and international political life in recent decades, thanks to his innovative spirit and his reforming vision. Italy sends its condolences to his family, to the government and to the entire Japanese people.”
SOUTH KOREA PRESIDENT YOON SUK-YEOL
“I send my condolences to the bereaved families and Japanese people who have lost the longest-serving prime minister and respected politician in Japan’s constitutional history,” Yoon was quoted as saying in a statement delivered by the presidential office.
Yoon added that the shooting was “an unforgivable act of crime.”
POLISH PRIME MINISTER MATEUSZ MORAWIECKI
“I am deeply shocked by the news of the assassination of @AbeShinzo,” he wrote on Twitter. “My thoughts are with the family of our Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland. May he Rest In Peace.”
UK PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON
“Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe,” Johnson said on Twitter. “His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.” “The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY CHIEF RAFAEL GROSSI ON TWITTER
“Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Japanese Former Prime Minister @AbeShinzo. I was honored to meet him and work with him on important issues for Japan. My condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.”
AUSTRALIA’S PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE
“The tragic death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is devastating news…Mr Abe was one of Australia´s closest friends on the world stage… Under his leadership Japan emerged as one of Australia´s most like-minded partners in Asia – a legacy that endures today.
“Mr Abe was a leader in the Indo-Pacific, championing a vision of a free and open region. The Quad and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership are in many ways the results of his diplomatic leadership.
“Mr Abe was also a giant on the world stage – a leader in the G7, the G20 and the United Nations. His legacy was one of global impact, and a profound and positive one for Australia.”
GERMANY
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was “stunned and deeply saddened” by news that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died on Friday hours after he was shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election.
“We stand closely by Japan’s side even in these difficult hours,” Scholz tweeted, expressing his deepest sympathy to Abe’s family.
FRANCE
France expressed its full solidarity with Japan after the killing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the French Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
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