PM sends condolences to Japan on death of Tonga's former friend, Shinzo Abe [1]
Monday, July 11, 2022 - 23:18
Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku has extended his condolences following the death of Japan's former Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe (67) on Friday in Japan.
The late former Prime Minister Abe was a rare leader who took a close and personal interest in strengthening Japan’s relations with the Pacific Islands collectively as well as individuall, said Hon. Hu'akavameiliku in a post on his social media.
“He was first and foremost a friend of Tonga before anything else. I convey my deepest and sincerest sympathies and condolences to his dear wife Akie san and his family for this untimely loss of a great man.”
Hon Hu'akavameiliku who is abroad for international meetings, is due in Fiji this week for the 51st Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The former Japanese Prime Minister PM was assassinated during an election campaign event in Nara city, reported the Tokyo Times.
"He was one of the most consequential leaders in Japan’s post war history died Friday. This was after being shot while he was giving a campaign speech in the city of Nara.
As Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, the assassination of Abe just two-days before the Upper House election has shaken the nation, with politicians of all stripes condemning the attack as an affront to democracy."
Meanwhile, Tetsuya Yamagami, an unemployed 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.