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President Biden called Fumio Kirishida, Japan’s Prime Minister, on Friday to express his “outrage and sadness” at the passing of Shinzo Abe, former Japanese Prime Minister.
Mr. Biden reiterated the U.S. promise to “stand by the Prime Minister of Japan and the peoples of Japan during their time of sorrow,” according to White House readings of the call.
Mr. Abe was shot in the back by a gunman while he campaigned to support his party’s candidates before a parliamentary election. His tenure as prime minister was among the longest in Japanese history. He served from 2006 through 2007, and then again from 2012 until 2020.. He was also instrumental in the formation of an Indo-Pacific alliance that would deter China.
Mr. Biden also praised Mr. Abe for his “enduring legacy” with his vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and the creation of the QUAD Meetings of Australia, Japan and India .”
” The President expressed his confidence in Japan’s democratic strength and discussed with the leaders how Abe Shinzo will continue to live on, according to the White House.
Friday was a day earlier when Mr. Biden condemned this assassination and called it a tragedy for Japan. Japan is a strong ally to the U.S .
Mr. Biden ordered that flags be flown at 50% until July 10 in honor of Mr. Abe.
