Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern calls the deadly shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe an “inscrutable” act of violence.
In a statement, Ardern confirmed that she had sent New Zealand’s condolences to Japan following the confirmation of Abe’s death.
“This act of violence against Japan’s longest-serving prime minister is unfathomable and we stand with Japan in its condemnation of what happened today,” Ardern said.
“Mr Abe was one of the first world leaders I met when I became Prime Minister. He was always focused, attentive and generous.
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“I remember after our first bilateral meeting, while we were waiting for an official photo, he leaned over to tell me he was sorry my cat had died. In the meetings we followed over the years, I saw a statesman, someone who helped usher in complex negotiations like the CPTPP, but I also saw someone who was nice.
“The loss of Mr Abe will be deeply felt by so many.
“Japan is a very good friend of ours, and my recent visit to Tokyo emphasized to me the strength of our relationship, the connections between our people and the values we share. We stand together in support of our Japanese friends.
Eugene Hoshiko / AP
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was making a campaign speech when he was shot. He died shortly afterwards.
“My thoughts are with Shinzo Abe’s wife and family, and with the government and people of Japan. Our aroha, our love, is with you all,” Ardern said.
Shinzo Abe’s death was confirmed Friday night (NZ time) after he was shot during a campaign speech in western Japan.
The shooting took place on Sunday before the Japanese upper house elections.
Shinzo Abe was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister. He served for one year in 2006 and then again for eight years from 2012 before resigning in 2020 for health reasons.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the shooting was an “inscrutable” act of violence.
Witnesses at the speech told local news agency NHK that they heard two shots and saw a large gun at the scene.
Japanese Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters that police have arrested the suspected gunman at the scene.
Leaders around the world have shared the shock following the shooting and their support for Abe.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Abe’s death devastating news.
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Police on Friday inspect the site where former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead in Nara, western Japan.
“On behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian people, we offer our deepest condolences and condolences to Ms Abe and Mr Abe’s other family and friends, and to the people of Japan.
“Mr Abe was one of Australia’s best friends on the world stage,” Albanian said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Abe’s death incredibly sad news.
“His global leadership through unknown times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.
“The UK stands behind you in this dark and sad time,” he wrote on Twitter.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said July 9 will be a day of national mourning in India, “as a sign of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo”.
“I am shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe.
“Mr Abe has made a tremendous contribution to elevating the relations between India and Japan to the level of a special strategic and global partnership. Today all of India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters at this difficult time ,” he wrote on Twitter.