Shinzo Abe’s death news updateThe leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) expressed grief over the tragic killing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the White House said on 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 transformational leader for Japan and for Japanese relations with each of our countries.” read the statement.
According to the White House, Abe played a constructive 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 time of grief. We will honor Prime Minister Abe’s memory by redoubled our work towards a peaceful and prosperous region,” the statement said.
Know the details of Abe’s murder:
Abe, 67, was killed on Friday during a campaign speech in the western Japanese city of Nara. Police arrested a suspect for the shooting, identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, a resident of Nara City.
Biden spoke to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and expressed his deepest condolences over the tragic and violent death in the shootings of former Prime Minister Abe.
“The President underlined that he and the American people stand with the Prime Minister and the people of Japan in their time of mourning,” the White House said.
Biden noted the importance of Abe’s enduring 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 belief in the strength of Japan’s democracy, and the two leaders discussed how the legacy of Abe Shinzo will live on as we continue the important work of protecting peace and democracy,” the White House said.
India also expressed grief over the passing away of the former Prime Minister of Japan as 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,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an emotional tribute to his “dear friend” late ex-Japanese Prime Minister Abe, who was shot during an election campaign in the western Japanese city of Nara.
“In the passing of Abe, Japan and the world have lost a great visionary. And, I have lost a dear friend,” PM Modi said in a blog “My Friend, Abe San”. In honor of the late dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be a day of state mourning across India on Saturday.
Abe was one of the architects of the Quad, a coalition of US, India, Japan, and Australia, aimed at countering China’s growing influence and military might. Four countries shaped the long-pending proposal to establish a “quad” or quadrilateral alliance to counter China’s aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific in 2017.
The leaders vowed to honor Abe’s memory “by doubling down on our work towards a peaceful and prosperous region” and said their hearts are with the people of Japan and with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in their hour of grief.
Public broadcaster NHK said police have arrested Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, a resident of Nara, who allegedly used a handmade gun to shoot Abe, which has shocked Japan, including some in the world. There are strict gun laws.
World leaders mourned the tragic killing of Abe. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the “horrific killing” of Abe, calling it “an act that has dealt a deep blow to Japanese society in a country with one of the lowest rates of gun crime.”
A statement issued by the UN chief’s spokesman said Abe will be remembered as a staunch defender of multilateralism, a respected leader and a supporter of the United Nations.
The Secretary-General recalls Shinzo Abe’s commitment to promoting peace and security, championing the Sustainable Development Goals, and advocating for universal health coverage. Were dedicated to reviving and serving the people of Japan.”
The UN Secretary-General expressed his deepest condolences to Abe’s family and to the people and government of Japan.
Permanent representatives and diplomats from 15 UN Security Council countries stood for a minute’s silence in memory of Abe and the former president of Angola, ahead of their meeting on the situation in the Middle East, and paid tribute to them. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who passed away in Spain.
Brazil’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ronaldo Costa Filho, the council’s current president, said at the start of the meeting that on behalf of the Security Council, he expressed “our sorrow and shock” at the “stupid killing” of Abe. He also added to the council’s grief over the passing of Santos.
“The members of the Security Council express their condolences and deepest sympathy at the tragic loss of the families of Abe and Santos and the governments and people of Japan and Angola,” Filho said.
Japan will begin its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on January 1, 2023, the 12th time Tokyo has been elected as an elected member since joining the United Nations in 1956. also more than others. United Nations member states. Japan will begin its term at the UNSC as the chairman of the council for the month of January.
(with inputs from agencies)