World Leaders Express Condolences Following Abe's Death: "A Shocking Incident"

Putin Also Sends Expert to Bereaved Families

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot and killed during an election campaign on the 8th, prompting leaders around the world to express deep condolences.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, attending the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali, Indonesia, said at a trilateral meeting with South Korea and Japan, "The assassination of former Prime Minister Abe is a shocking incident," adding, "He was a leader with a great vision who elevated the relationship between the United States and Japan to a new level."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has taken a confrontational stance against Japan regarding the Ukraine war, also sent a message of condolence to the bereaved family. He described former Prime Minister Abe as an "outstanding politician" who did much to develop "a good neighborly relationship" between the two countries, and wrote, "I hope (his mother and wife) find the strength and courage to endure this heavy and irreplaceable loss."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on Twitter, "I am stunned and deeply saddened," and said, "In this difficult time, we will stand close to Japan." French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed condolences on Twitter, lamenting, "Japan has lost a great prime minister."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it "an incredibly sad news," saying, "His global leadership in an uncertain era will be remembered by many." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, "Abe was a giant on the world stage."

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said, "I am deeply shocked. I offer condolences to the family of a Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland," and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen lamented, "The international community has lost an important leader."