Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left) and U.S. President Joe Biden [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] On the 9th, Kyodo News reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a condolence call from U.S. President Joe Biden regarding the shooting death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Prime Minister Kishida stated, "President Biden conveyed his condolences on behalf of the United States, saying, 'I sincerely offer my condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe.'"
Prime Minister Kishida told President Biden, "We will not succumb to violence and will protect democracy."
The two leaders spoke for about 10 minutes starting at 9 a.m. that day.
On the 8th (local time), President Biden visited the residence of the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. in Washington D.C., where the wake for former Prime Minister Abe was held, to pay his respects.
In the condolence book, he wrote, "On behalf of the Biden family and all Americans, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Abe family and the people of Japan."
Separately from the condolence visit, President Biden ordered U.S. government agencies to fly flags at half-staff. The half-staff period will last until sunset on the 10th.
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