Following the shooting and death of Japan’s former prime minister; Shinzo Abe during a campaign speech, world leaders have expressed shock and pain.
Mr. Abe was shot in western Japan and airlifted to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead after efforts to save his life.
Police arrested a suspected gunman at the scene.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote on Twitter that it is “Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe. The
“His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Japanese people.”
He added: “The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
US secretary of state Anthony Blinken said America was “deeply saddened and deeply concerned”.
“Our thoughts, our prayers are with him, with his family, with the people of Japan. This is a very, very sad moment,” he said on the sidelines of a G20 meeting on Indonesia’s Bali island.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the sentiments.
“Shocked and saddened by the tragic death of former Japanese PM Abe Shinzo. He was a great friend and ally to Australia. Deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Japan. We mourn with you,” Mr. Albanese tweeted.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was in Sydney meeting with Albanese on Friday, said she was “deeply shocked to hear about the past PM of Japan-Shinzo Abe.”
“He was one of the first leaders I formally met when I became Prime Minister. He was deeply committed to his role, but also generous & kind. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core,” Ms. Ardern said.
“Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe Shinzo. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
He added that “as a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one-day national mourning shall be observed in India on 9 July 2022”.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attacked the “senseless act of violence”.
“Shocked to learn that former Japanese PM Abe Shinzo was shot in Nara Prefecture this morning. This is a senseless act of violence. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Abe and his family,” Mr. Lee said on Facebook.
Philippine foreign secretary Enrique Manalo said he learned the news with great shock and dismay.
Former US president Donald Trump said the attack on Mr. Abe was devastating. He described Mr. Abe as a “truly great man and leader” and said he “was a true friend of mine and, much more importantly, America”.
Mr. Trump added on his social media app: “This is a tremendous blow to the wonderful people of Japan, who loved and admired him so much.”
Agnesisika’s blog also sympathizes with our friends and audiences in Japan. We offer our sincere condolences to the family and the people of Japan.
May his soul rest in peace, Amen.
