UAE leaders mourn death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, on the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In a statement, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed said, "We are deeply saddened to learn about the death of our dear friend Shinzo Abe who served his nation with honour and contributed to strengthening the fruitful relations between the UAE and Japan. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and the people of Japan."

"Shinzo Abe was a loyal friend of the UAE. He played an active role in consolidating the relations between the two countries, which witnessed unprecedented development and prosperity at all levels. The late leader also worked to strengthen his country's role in supporting peace and stability at the regional and global levels."

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, sent a similar message to Prime Minister Kishida, state news agency WAM reported Friday.

"We are deeply saddened to learn about the death of our dear friend Abe Shinzo who served his nation with honour and contributed to strengthening the fruitful relations between the UAE and Japan," Sheikh Mohamed shared on his official Twitter page.

He added, “We extend our sincere condolences to his family and the people of Japan.” Sheikh Mohamed shared the condolence messages in Arabic, Japanese and English.

The former Japanese prime minister died in hospital after being shot on Friday during a campaign speech in Nara, in south-central Honshu. He was 67 at the time of death.

The former leader was delivering a speech near a train station in Nara, a Western city in Japan, when he was shot by an assailant at 11.30 am local time. He was flown to a hospital, where he was not breathing and his heart stopped, stated officials. Authorities have arrested a man who is believed to be the individual behind the shooting.

The UAE Ambassador to Japan Shihab Alfaheem also shared condolence messages on social media. The UAE Embassy in Tokyo, said, “We would like to express our deepest condolences for the passing of the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, our prayers and thoughts with his family, the Government and the people of Japan. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

• Abu Dhabi