Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister of Japan, died after being shot while campaigning in the city of Nara.
The killing on Friday shocked Japan and prompted an outpouring of grief and condemnation worldwide. Below are some of the reactions to the news of Abe’s passing.
United States President Joe Biden
On Twitter, US President Joe Biden said that he was “stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened” by the news that Abe had been killed. “He was a champion of the friendship between our people. The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief.”
In a statement from the White House, Biden said that Abe’s “vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific will endure”.
I am stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister of Japan, was shot and killed. He was a champion of the friendship between our people.
The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 8, 2022
Queen Elizabeth
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth said she was “deeply saddened” by Abe’s killing.
“My family and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden and tragic death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” said the 96-year-old monarch.
“I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time.”
Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro
On Twitter, the Brazilian leader said that he had received “with extreme indignation and regret the news of the death of @AbeShinzo, a brilliant leader who was a great friend of Brazil. I extend to Abe’s family, as well as to our Japanese brothers, my solidarity and the wish that God takes care of their souls in this moment of pain.”
Israel Prime Minister Yair Lapid
“The State of Israel mourns the death of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe following today’s horrific attack. He was a fierce & distinguished leader and a key architect of modern Israel-Japan relations. Sending condolences to his family, loved ones and the Japanese people,” the Isreali leader said on Friday.
Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
Canada’s leader called the assassination “incredibly shocking” and said on Twitter that “I’m deeply saddened. The world has lost a great man of vision, and Canada has lost a close friend. My thoughts are with his wife, Akie, and the people of Japan as they mourn this loss. You’ll be missed, my friend.”
The assassination of @AbeShinzo is incredibly shocking – and I’m deeply saddened. The world has lost a great man of vision, and Canada has lost a close friend. My thoughts are with his wife, Akie, and the people of Japan as they mourn this loss. You’ll be missed, my friend.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 8, 2022
French President Emmanuel Macron:
“Japan has lost a great prime minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to ensure order in the world.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz:
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was “stunned and deeply saddened” by the news of Abe’s death.
“We stand closely by Japan’s side even in these difficult hours,” Scholz tweeted, expressing his deepest sympathy to the late leader’s family.
Russian President Vladimir Putin:
The leader of Russia on Friday called Abe’s death an “irreplaceable loss.”
In a telegram to Abe’s family, Vladimir Putin called Abe an “outstanding statesman” who had done a lot to develop “good neighbourly ties between our countries.”
“I wish you and your family strength and courage in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss,” Putin said, according to a statement released by the Kremlin.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg:
“Deeply saddened by the heinous killing of Shinzo Abe, a defender of democracy and my friend & colleague over many years. My deepest condolences to his family, PM Fumio Kishida & the people of NATO’s partner Japan at this difficult time.”
Deeply saddened by the heinous killing of Shinzo Abe, a defender of democracy and my friend & colleague over many years. My deepest condolences to his family, PM @kishida230 & the people
of #NATO’s partner #Japan at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/8rtdb0G11S— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) July 8, 2022
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.”
Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe.
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.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 8, 2022
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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/ms9Va9OPN4
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 8, 2022
European Council President Charles Michel:
“It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of Shinzo Abe. I will never understand the brutal killing of this great man. Japan, Europeans mourn with you. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.”
It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of @AbeShinzo
I will never understand the brutal killing of this great man.
Japan, Europeans mourn with you.
My sincerest condolences to his wife and family. https://t.co/AH9JA5s4U0
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) July 8, 2022
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen:
“A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away. I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan. This brutal and cowardly murder of Shinzo Abe shocks the whole world.”
A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away.
I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan.
This brutal and cowardly murder of @AbeShinzo shocks the whole world. pic.twitter.com/ztSJnlDsi6
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 8, 2022
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-youl:
“Shooting of Japan’s Abe is an unforgivable act of crime.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
“As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022.”
Sharing a picture from my most recent meeting with my dear friend, Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties, he had just taken over as the Chairman of the Japan-India Association. pic.twitter.com/Mw2nR1bIGz
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki:
“I am deeply shocked by the news of the assassination of Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with the family of our Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland. May he rest In peace.”
I am deeply shocked by the news of the assassination of @AbeShinzo. My thoughts are with the family of our Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/WVXdVj7yLx
— Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) July 8, 2022
