Shinzo Abe: 'Created stability that reinforced Japan's place in the world'
Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe has died in hospital after he was shot at a political campaign event
Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe has died in hospital after he was shot at a political campaign event. Mr Abe was shot at twice while he was giving a speech in the southern city of Nara on Friday morning. Security officials at the scene tackled the gunman, and the 41-year-old suspect is now in police custody. A search of the alleged gunman's home uncovered what police believe are explosives, local media reported.
Sir Tim Hitchens was British ambassador in Japan from 2012 to 2016 and knew Mr Abe well. He says he was known for building strong relationships around the world with leaders in the Middle East and Africa, as well as Europe and Asia, and travelled to meet them in person. He describes him taking a strong stance in relations with China, carving out a policy that has been adopted by many since. He credits him for being "an extremely dedicated man. Politics was in his blood - he was the most hardworking and efficient politician I've ever worked with".
"Shinzo Abe created a stability and a strategic sense that reinforced Japan's place in the world."
Photo: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at a news conference Credit: Reuters
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