Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of condolences to the family of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, describing his death as an irreparable loss.
The text of the telegram, addressed to the mother and wife of former Japanese Prime Minister Eiko Abe and Akie Abe, read: “The life of a prominent statesman, who for a long time led the Japanese government and worked hard to develop good-neighborly relations between our two countries was interrupted by the hand of a criminal.”
Putin added: “We maintain regular contacts with Shinzo Abe, where his excellent personal and professional qualities are fully manifested. The bright memory of this wonderful person will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. I wish you and your family strength and courage in the face of this irreparable heavy loss.
For his part, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a patriot of Japan and preferred to defend the interests of his country at the negotiating table.
Commenting on the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from gunshot wounds on Friday morning, Peskov told reporters: “We also express our deepest condolences and condolences to the entire Japanese people, because, above all, Mr. Abe was a true patriot of Japan. He always defended the interests of his country and preferred to do it at the negotiating table. It is thanks to this that very good and constructive relations have been established between him and President Putin.”
He added: “Now a number of countries in the world lack such political will, and they openly declare that they prefer to defend their interests on the battlefield, which is a dead end for development.”
Source: RIA Novosti + TASS