Washington:
Leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) have reacted with shock to the tragic assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the White House said Friday.
“We, the leaders of Australia, India and the United States, are shocked by the tragic assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Prime Minister Abe was a transformative leader for Japan and for Japan’s relations with each of our countries,” the statement said. read.
According to the White House, Abe played a formative role in establishing the Quad partnership and worked tirelessly to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“Our hearts are with the people of Japan – and Prime Minister Kishida – at this moment of grief. We will honor Prime Minister Abe’s memory by doubling down on our work for a peaceful and prosperous region,” the statement said.
Abe, 67, was murdered Friday during a campaign speech in the western Japanese city of Nara. Police arrested a suspect in the shooting, identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old resident of Nara City.
Biden spoke to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to express his deepest condolences on the tragic and violent death of former Prime Minister Abe.
“The president underlined that he and the American people stand with the Prime Minister and the Japanese people in their time of mourning,” the White House reading said.
Biden pointed to the importance of Abe’s lasting legacy with his vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and the establishment of the QUAD meetings of Japan, the United States, Australia and India.
“The president noted our unwavering faith in the strength of Japanese democracy and the two leaders discussed how Abe Shinzo’s legacy will live on as we continue on the important task of defending peace and democracy,” the White House said.
India also expressed sadness at the passing of the former Japanese prime minister, while the government expressed its condolences to his family, friends and the people of Japan.
“Abe was a visionary leader and statesman who worked tirelessly for the betterment of humanity. He left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of people around the world,” said State Department spokesman Arindam Bagchi , in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to his “best friend” late ex-Japanese Prime Minister Abe, who was gunned down during an election campaign in the western Japanese city of Nara.
PM Modi said in a blog “My friend, Abe San”: “In the passing of Abe, Japan and the world have lost a great visionary. And I have lost a dear friend.”
As a show of respect for the late dignitary, the Indian government has decided that Saturday will be a day of state mourning across India.
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