World leaders have expressed their shock and sadness over the fatal shooting of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in a country considered by many to be one of the world's safest.
Mr Abe, 67, was gunned down from behind while giving a campaign speech in the western Japanese city of Nara on Friday.
Tributes poured in as governments expressed sorrow and solidarity with Japan over the loss of Mr Abe, who was Japan's longest-serving leader before stepping down in 2020 for health reasons.
US President Joe Biden said he was "stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened" by the news of Mr Abe's sudden passing and described him as a leader who cared deeply about the Japanese people and democracy.
"Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy."
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who hastily returned to Tokyo from campaign events around the country, condemned the "unforgivable act".
He said campaigning, as well as Sunday's elections for parliament's upper house, would proceed.
“The free and fair election, which is the root of democracy, needs to be protected no matter what," Mr Kishida said.
Leaders pay tribute to 'brilliant leader'
Leaders from across Asia and Europe condemned the shooting.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her shock at the news, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez slammed the "cowardly attack".
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen praised the late leader as a "great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order".
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro expressed "outrage and sadness" over the assassination of Mr Abe and said he had ordered three days of national mourning in his nation, which is home to the world's largest Japanese population outside Japan.
Mr Bolsonaro described Mr Abe as "a brilliant leader and a great friend of Brazil" and shared on Twitter a picture of him and the former PM.
He described Mr Abe's killing as "unjustifiable cruelty" and called for severe punishment.
Indian Prime Minister and fellow QUAD member Narendra Modi also announced a day of national mourning on Saturday as a mark of respect for Mr Abe.
"Mr Abe made an immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a special strategic and global partnership," Mr Modi said.
"Japan and the world have lost a great visionary. And, I have lost a dear friend."
Great friend and ally to Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled Mr Abe as a "giant on the world stage" and one of Australia's closest allies.
"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," he said.
"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."
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol described the shooting as an "unforgivable act of crime".
"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," Mr Yoon said.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Japan shared a statement expressing the country's sympathies.
"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," the statement said.
Abe worked to 'ensure order in the world'
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter that Japan had lost a great leader who had "dedicated his life to his country and worked to ensure order in the world".
The French leader joined UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in writing messages of condolences in Japanese on social media.
Mr Johnson said Mr Abe's "global leadership through unchartered times" would be remembered by many.
"My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people," he said.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his "deepest condolences to his family and the people of Japan at this difficult time".
Taiwan's President, Tsai Ing-wen, said the world had not only lost an important leader, but Taiwan had also lost "an important and close friend".
"Taiwan and Japan are both democratic countries with the rule of law, and our government severely condemns violent and illegal acts," Ms Tsai said in a statement released by her office.
ABC/wires
