World leaders react to Abe assassination

Before news broke of Abe's death, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel tweeted:

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Japan

Japan's prime minister Fumio Kishida / © AFP

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida led global tributes to former premier Shinzo Abe on Friday, saying he was "lost for words".

"I was praying that his life would be saved, but despite that, I came to learn of (his death). It is truly regrettable. I am lost for words. I offer my sincere condolences and prayers that his soul may rest in peace," an emotional Kishida told reporters.

South Korea

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol / © AFP

The killing of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe is an "unacceptable act of crime", South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said Friday.

"I extend my consolation and condolences to his family and the Japanese people for having lost their longest-serving prime minister and a respected politician," Yoon said in a statement released by his presidential office.

Italy

Italian premier Mario Draghi / © AFP

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Friday that his country was "shocked by the terrible attack" on Abe, who died in hospital after being shot at a campaign event.

"Italy is shocked by this terrible attack that hits Japan and its free democratic debate," he said in a message of condolence.

Draghi called Abe a "big proponent of Japanese and international political life," and paid tribute to his "innovative spirit and his vision of reform," saying Italy stands in solidarity with Abe's family, the Japanese government and "all Japanese people".

France

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shake hands during a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris on April 23, 2019. / © AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday addressed his condolences to the Japanese people and government after the murder of Abe, saying "Japan has lost a great prime minister".

Abe had "dedicated his life to his country and worked for stability in the world", Macron said.

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz / © AFP

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed shock and solidarity with Japan on Friday.

"The deadly attack on Shinzo Abe has left me aghast and deeply sad," the German leader tweeted.

"I extend deep sympathy to his family, my colleague Fumio Kishida and our Japanese friends. We stand with Japan in these difficult hours."

Scholz's predecessor in office, Angela Merkel, said in a separate statement she was "shocked and appalled" by Abe's assassination, calling it a "cowardly and vile attack".

Merkel said she had worked "closely together" with Abe during their years in office, united in the goal of facing up to the "great challenges of our time" in "multilateral partnership".

"Japan and the world have lost a great statesman," she said, calling him a "close colleague and friend".

"His word had weight. His decisions could be relied upon," Merkel added, saying his "humour helped to overcome resistance".

"We will remember him with abundant gratitude and sadness," she said.

United States

© AFP

US President Joe Biden on Friday said he was "stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened" by Abe's assassination.

"This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him," Biden said in a statement. "Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy.

"The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief. I send my deepest condolences to his family."

Former president Barack Obama called Abe "my friend and longtime partner" and said the slain politician was "devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan."

Former president Donald Trump also weighed in, saying the detained assassin "will hopefully be dealt with swiftly and harshly."

Of Abe, Trump said: "he was a unifier like no other, but above all, he was a man who loved and cherished his magnificent country, Japan. Shinzo Abe will be greatly missed."

Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 26, 2018 / © AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called the death of Abe an "irreplaceable loss."

In a telegram to Abe's family, Putin called Abe an "outstanding statesman" who had done a lot to develop "good neighbourly ties between our countries."

"I wish you and your family strength and courage in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss," Putin said, according to a statement released by the Kremlin.

Britain

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the leadership role taken by the former premier, saying the UK stands with Japan "at this dark and sad time".

"Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe. His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many," Johnson tweeted.

Queen Elizabeth II said  she was "deeply saddened" at the news, in a message of condolence sent to Emperor Naruhito.

"I have fond memories of meeting Mr Abe and his wife during their visit to the United Kingdom in 2016. His love for Japan, and his desire to forge ever-closer bonds with the United Kingdom, were clear," she wrote.

India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a day of national mourning would be held in honour of Abe.

"I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe," Modi wrote on Twitter.

"We stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment."

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extended his condolences to Abe's family.

"Horrible news of a brutal assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. I am extending my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Japan at this difficult time. This heinous act of violence has no excuse," he tweeted.

European Union

"The brutal and cowardly murder" of Abe "shocks the world," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen tweeted.

"I will never understand the brutal killing of this great man," said European Council President Charles Michel in a separate tweet.

The Netherlands

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte termed the attack "cowardly" and said his thoughts were with Abe's loved ones and the Japanese people.

"At today's cabinet meeting we paused to reflect on this dark day for Japanese democracy. I have fond memories of our friendship and the work we did together," he said.

Turkey

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Abe, the former prime minister of Japan, in an armed attack. I condemn those who carried out this heinous attack," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

China

The Chinese embassy in Japan said it was "shocked" by the shooting.

"During his tenure, former Prime Minister Abe made contributions to the improvement and development of China-Japan relations. We express our condolences on his passing and express sympathy and solicitude for his family," an embassy spokesperson said.

Australia

"Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted after the attack.

"Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time."