Words of Remembrance (Condolences)

The tragic death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is devastating news. On behalf of the Australian Government and people, we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mrs Abe and to Mr Abe’s family and friends, and to the people of Japan.
Mr Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends on the world stage. It was his vision that helped elevate our bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2014. Under his leadership Japan emerged as one of Australia’s most like-minded partners in Asia – a legacy that endures today.
Mr Abe was a leader in the Indo-Pacific, championing a vision of a free and open region. The Quad and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership are in many ways the results of his diplomatic leadership.
Mr Abe was also a giant on the world stage – a leader in the G7, the G20 and the United Nations. His legacy was one of global impact, and a profound and positive one for Australia.
Just a few days after being sworn in as Prime Minister, I had the privilege of travelling to Japan for the Quad meeting. In many ways, this grouping is a legacy of Mr Abe’s diplomatic activism.
Mr Abe was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history. He will be greatly missed.

I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of my friend and longtime partner Shinzo Abe in Japan. Former Prime Minister Abe was devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan. I will always remember the work we did to strengthen our alliance, the moving experience of traveling to Hiroshima and Pearl Harbor together, and the grace he and his wife Akie Abe showed to me and Michelle. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan who are very much in our thoughts at this painful moment.

Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe.
His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.
The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.

Really BAD NEWS FOR THE WORLD! Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is dead. He was assassinated. His killer was captured and will hopefully be dealt with swiftly and harshly. Few people know what a great man and leader Shinzo Abe was, but history will teach them and be kind. 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. There will never be another like him! President Donald J. Trump

My family and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden and tragic death of former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.
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.
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time.
ELIZABETH R

Upon hearing the news of the passing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, I extend my deepest condolences to the Japanese government and people on behalf of the French nation.
Japan has lost a great leader who dedicated his life to his country and worked tirelessly for global stability.

Der plötzliche gewaltsame Tod des ehemaligen japanischen Ministerpräsidenten Shinzō Abe hat mich tief schockiert und mit großer Trauer erfüllt. Im Namen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland spreche ich Ihnen, den Angehörigen sowie allen Japanerinnen und Japanern mein tiefempfundenes Beileid und aufrichtige Anteilnahme aus.
Die brutale Ermordung eines demokratisch gewählten Repräsentanten verurteile ich aufs Schärfste. Als Demokraten werden wir niemals dulden, dass politische Mandatsträger um Leib und Leben fürchten müssen. In dieser dunklen Stunde sind wir in unseren Gedanken und Gebeten bei der Familie des Ermordeten und beim japanischen Volk, mit dem wir durch unsere gemeinsamen Werte wie Rechtsstaatlichkeit und Demokratie als Partner eng verbunden sind.
Shinzō Abe hat in seiner langen Amtszeit eng und vertrauensvoll mit Deutschland zusammengearbeitet – bilateral wie im internationalen Rahmen. Er war immer ein konstruktiver und verlässlicher Partner in unserem gemeinsamen Engagement für Multilateralismus, Freihandel, friedliche Streitbeilegung und die regelbasierte Ordnung.
Unvergessen ist die große Gastfreundschaft, die mir und meiner Frau bei unseren Besuchen in Tokyo von Shinzō Abe und seiner Gattin entgegengebracht wurde. Unsere freundschaftlichen und offenen Gespräche werde ich nie vergessen. Ich behalte ihn in ehrender Erinnerung.
Mit Shinzō Abe hat Japan einen großen Staatsmann und bedeutenden Politiker verloren. Ich wünsche den Angehörigen und dem japanischen Volk Trost und Kraft in Zeiten der Trauer. Bitte geben Sie meine Anteilnahme an die Familie des Verstorbenen weiter.
In stiller Anteilnahme.

Former Prime Minister Abe was an internationally acclaimed political leader. He was widely admired for his lifelong dedication to defending the ideals of freedom and democracy and resisting authoritarian expansion. On numerous occasions at international events, former Prime Minister Abe spoke up for Taiwan, urging the international community to support Taiwan and jointly protect democratic values. Former Prime Minister Abe was an invaluable democratic ally and a staunch friend of Taiwan. During his time as Prime Minister, he was committed to promoting friendly ties between Taiwan and Japan. He continued to spare no effort to voice support for Taiwan after he stepped down. For example, at a forum in December 2021, he supported Taiwan by saying, “A Taiwan emergency is an emergency for Japan and also for the Japan-US alliance.” This year, he called on all sides to move away from strategic ambiguity and make it clear that they would defend Taiwan, following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. The tragic death of former Prime Minister Abe is an immense loss to Japan, Taiwan, and the global community of democracies. The government of Taiwan is eternally grateful to former Prime Minister Abe for his efforts and contributions in advancing Taiwan-Japan relations.

I was incredibly shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. Canada condemns, in the strongest terms, this egregious attack and stands with the people of Japan in this difficult time.

We greatly value our strong friendship with Japan – a friendship that was expanded and deepened under Mr. Abe’s tenure as Prime Minister. He was a dedicated, visionary leader and a close friend of Canada. We remain committed to the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region that Prime Minister Abe and I agreed to pursue during his visit to Ottawa in April 2019.

Canada and Japan share a strong, unwavering commitment to our democratic values, including free and fair elections without violence or intimidation. This act of senseless violence during an election period is deeply disturbing. We will always stand against any form of violence, threats, and intimidation that undermine our democracies.

On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest condolences to former Prime Minister Abe’s family and friends, and to the Japanese people, as they mourn this tremendous loss. You’ll be missed, my friend.

Italy is shocked by this terrible attack, which hits Japan and free democratic debate. Abe was a great protagonist of Japanese and international political life in recent decades, thanks to his innovative spirit and his reforming vision. Italy sends its condolences to his family, to the government and to the entire Japanese people.

My Friend, Abe San
Shinzo Abe - an outstanding leader of Japan, a towering global statesman, and a great champion of India-Japan friendship - is not among us anymore. Japan and the world have lost a great visionary. And, I have lost a dear friend.
I first met him in 2007, during my visit to Japan as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Right from that first meeting, our friendship went beyond the trappings of office and the shackles of official protocol.
Our visit to Toji temple in Kyoto, our train journey on the Shinkansen, our visit to the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, the Ganga Aarati in Kashi, the elaborate tea ceremony in Tokyo, the list of our memorable interactions is indeed long.
And, I will always cherish the singular honour of having been invited to his family home in Yamanashi prefecture, nestled among the foothills of Mt. Fuji.
Even when he was not the Prime Minister of Japan between 2007 and 2012, and more recently after 2020, our personal bond remained as strong as ever.
Every meeting with Abe San was intellectually stimulating. He was always full of new ideas and invaluable insights on governance, economy, culture, foreign policy, and various other subjects.
His counsel inspired me in my economic choices for Gujarat. And, his support was instrumental in building Gujarat’s vibrant partnership with Japan.
Later on, it was my privilege to work with him to bring about an unprecedented transformation of the strategic partnership between India and Japan. From a largely narrow, bilateral economic relationship, Abe San helped turn it into a broad, comprehensive one, which not only covered every field of national endeavour, but became pivotal for our two countries’ and the region’s security. For him, this was one of the most consequential relationships for the people of our two countries and the world. He was resolute in pursuing the civil nuclear agreement with India – a most difficult one for his country – and decisive in offering the most generous terms for the High Speed Rail in India. As in most important milestones in independent India’s journey, he ensured that Japan is there side by side as New India accelerates its growth.
His contribution to India-Japan relations was richly recognised by the conferment upon him of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2021.
Abe San had a deep insight into the complex and multiple transitions taking place in the world, the vision to be ahead of his time to see its impact on politics, society, economy and international relations, the wisdom to know the choices that were to be made, the capacity to make clear and bold decisions even in the face of conventions and the rare ability to carry his people and the world with him. His far-reaching policies - Abenomics - reinvigorated the Japanese economy and re-ignited the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship of his people.
Among his greatest gifts to us and his most enduring legacy, and one for which the world will always be indebted, is his foresight in recognising the changing tides and gathering storm of our time and his leadership in responding to it. Long before others, he, in his seminal speech to the Indian Parliament in 2007, laid the ground for the emergence of the Indo Pacific region as a contemporary political, strategic and economic reality - a region that will also shape the world in this century.
And, he led from the front in building a framework and architecture for its stable and secure, peaceful and prosperous future, based on values that he deeply cherished – respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law and rules, peaceful conduct of international relations in a spirit of equality and shared prosperity through deeper economic engagement.
The Quad, the ASEAN-led forums, the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative, the India-Japan Development Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including Africa and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure all benefited from his contributions. Quietly and without fanfare, and overcoming hesitation at home and scepticism abroad, he transformed Japan’s strategic engagement, including in defence, connectivity, infrastructure and sustainability, across the Indo Pacific region. For that, the region is more optimistic about its destiny and the world more confident about its future.
During my Japan visit in May this year, I had the opportunity to meet Abe San, who had just taken over as the Chair of the Japan-India Association. He was his usual self - energetic, captivating, charismatic and very witty. He had innovative ideas on how to further strengthen the India-Japan friendship. When I said goodbye to him that day, little did I imagine that it would be our final meeting.
I will always be indebted for his warmth and wisdom, grace and generosity, friendship and guidance, and I will miss him dearly.
We in India mourn his passing as one of our own, just as he embraced us with an open heart. He died doing what he loved the most – inspiring his people. His life may have been cut short tragically, but his legacy will endure forever.
I extend heart-felt condolences on behalf of the people of India and on my own behalf to the people of Japan, especially to Mrs. Akie Abe and his family. Om Shanti.

With the death of Shinzo Abe in an act of shocking violence, Australia has lost a great friend and Japan has lost its most significant post-war leader. Under Abe, Japan assumed its rightful place as the leading democracy of the western Pacific.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, member of the House of Representatives, was shot this morning in the city of Nara. After being rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, he was later pronounced dead. The government and people of Taiwan are profoundly shocked and saddened by this incident. Apart from condemning this unjustified act of violence in the strongest possible terms, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) also expresses Taiwan’s deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe.

MOFA promptly instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to send condolences to the Japanese government on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, and Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Chairperson Su Jia-chyuan. The deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies of the government and people of Taiwan were also conveyed through the Taipei Office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. It is Taiwan’s sincere wish that former Prime Minister Abe may rest in peace and that his family members may find comfort in their hour of grief.

Former Prime Minister Abe was an internationally acclaimed political leader. He was widely admired for his lifelong dedication to defending the ideals of freedom and democracy and resisting authoritarian expansion. On numerous occasions at international events, former Prime Minister Abe spoke up for Taiwan, urging the international community to support Taiwan and jointly protect democratic values. Former Prime Minister Abe was an invaluable democratic ally and a staunch friend of Taiwan. During his time as Prime Minister, he was committed to promoting friendly ties between Taiwan and Japan. He continued to spare no effort to voice support for Taiwan after he stepped down. For example, at a forum in December 2021, he supported Taiwan by saying, “A Taiwan emergency is an emergency for Japan and also for the Japan-US alliance.” This year, he called on all sides to move away from strategic ambiguity and make it clear that they would defend Taiwan, following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. The tragic death of former Prime Minister Abe is an immense loss to Japan, Taiwan, and the global community of democracies. The government of Taiwan is eternally grateful to former Prime Minister Abe for his efforts and contributions in advancing Taiwan-Japan relations.

A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away.
I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan.
This brutal and cowardly murder of @AbeShinzo shocks the whole world.

Уважаемая госпожа Ёко Абэ,
Уважаемая госпожа Акиэ Абэ,
примите глубокие соболезнования в связи с кончиной вашего сына и супруга Синдзо Абэ.
Рука преступника оборвала жизнь выдающегося государственного деятеля, длительное время возглавлявшего правительство Японии и много сделавшего для развития добрососедских отношений между нашими странами.
Мы поддерживали с Синдзо регулярные контакты, в которых в полной мере проявлялись его прекрасные личные и профессиональные качества. Светлая память об этом замечательном человеке навсегда останется в сердцах всех, кто его знал.
Желаю вам и вашим родным стойкости и мужества перед лицом этой тяжёлой, невосполнимой утраты.
С уважением,
Владимир Путин

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.

安倍晋三前首相在任期间为推动中日关系改善进行了努力，作出了有益贡献。我曾同他就构建契合新时代要求的中日关系达成重要共识。我对他突然去世深感惋惜。我愿同首相先生一道，根据中日四个政治文件确立的各项原则，继续发展中日睦邻友好合作关系。

Como sinal de nosso respeito ao povo japonês, de reconhecimento pela amizade de Shinzo Abe com Brasil e de solidariedade diante de uma crueldade injustificável, decretei luto oficial em todo o país durante 3 dias. Que seu assassinato seja punido com rigor. Estamos com o Japão.Recebo com extrema indignação e pesar a notícia da morte de
@AbeShinzo , líder brilhante e que foi um grande amigo do Brasil. Estendo à família de Abe, bem como aos nossos irmãos japoneses, a minha solidariedade e o desejo de que Deus cuide de suas almas neste momento de dor.