More world leaders have been paying tribute.
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that “Japan has lost a great prime minister”, adding that Abe “dedicated his life to his country and worked for stability in the world”.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the assassination “shocking” and “profoundly disturbing,” describing Abe as a leader of great vision who brought the relationship between the US and Japan “to new heights”.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Abe was “one of Australia’s closest friends on the world stage” and “under his leadership Japan emerged as one of Australia’s most like-minded partners in Asia – a legacy that endures today”.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said he was “shocked by this terrible attack” and described Abe as “a great protagonist of Japanese and international political life in recent decades, thanks to his innovative spirit and his reforming vision”.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen said “not only has the international community lost an important leader, but Taiwan has also lost an important and close friend”.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said he was “deeply shocked by the news of the assassination” of Abe, adding that “my thoughts are with the family of our Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland”.
The Chinese embassy in Japan said Abe made “contributions towards improving China-Japan relations during his term” and expressed condolences on his death to his family.
The Phillippine Department of Foreign Affairs said Abe was “greatly admired by many Filipinos”.
And Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said he was “a fierce and distinguished leader”.
