The Shinzo Abe Digital Memorial Hall on AIWS City introduces select quotes from world leaders:
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was “stunned and deeply saddened” by news that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died on Friday hours after he was shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election.
“We stand closely by Japan’s side even in these difficult hours,” Scholz tweeted, expressing his deepest sympathy to Abe’s family.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Shinzo Abe as a “true leader and true friend” of Australia, while warning such attacks on politicians could occur again.
Mr. Albanese said he changed the way Japan interacts with the world, and that impact will be felt for years ahead.
“Mr. Abe’s life was one of consequence,” he said.
“He made a difference, he changed things for the better not just in Japan, but in our region in particular and around the world.
“And that is, by any measure, a life truly well lived.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson: said on Friday that Britain stood with Japan at this dark time following the “incredibly sad news” about the death of former premier Shinzo Abe in a shooting.
“Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe,” he said on Twitter. “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.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India: “I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place,” PM Modi tweeted.
“My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me,” he added.
Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission:
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.
French President Macron:
“Japan has lost a great prime minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to ensure order in the world,” Macron said on Twitter.
President Joe Biden said he was “stunned, outraged and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo.
“Above all, [Abe] cared deeply about the Japanese people and dedicated his life to their service. Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House. “While there are many details that we do not yet know, we know that violent attacks are never acceptable and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it. The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief. I send my deepest condolences to his family.”
In recognition of Abe’s death, Biden has ordered that the American flag at the White House and on other federal grounds be flown at half-staff until July 10.
