Vietnam condoles former PM Shinzo Abe's death with Japan

On behalf of the leaders of the Communist Party, State and people of Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent condolences to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

PM Chinh conveyed his deep sympathies to the Japanese authorities and people, as well as the family of the former Japanese PM, remarking on the nation's appreciation "for the special affection and precious support" that the late leader had for Vietnam.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also sent condolences to Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi.

Abe, Japan’s longest-serving leader, had visited Vietnam four times during his eight years as Japan's prime minister. In January 2013, he chose Vietnam as the first country to visit after taking the position the second time (December 2012 - September 2020).

He died at 67 at a hospital in western city of Nara after being shot in the back while campaigning for a parliamentary election.

The suspect of the shooting was identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, who admitted to the police that he held grudges against an organization he believed Abe was connected to.

World leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden and Russia President Vladimir Putin have also sent condolences to Japan.