US President Biden, Japan Prime Minister Kishida maintain telephone talks after Abe’s assassination

US President Joe Biden had a telephonic dialog with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and mentioned how Abe Shinzo’s legacy will dwell on as they proceed the vital activity of defending peace and democracy, the White House has mentioned.

During the dialog, Biden expressed his outrage, unhappiness and deep condolences after former Japanese chief Abe’s assassination, it mentioned.

Abe, 67, was shot from behind in Nara in western Japan whereas giving a marketing campaign speech. Police have arrested a Nara resident in his 40s, who allegedly used a home made gun to shoot Abe, a tragedy that has shocked Japan which has a number of the strictest gun legal guidelines on the planet.

“The President underscored that he and the American people stand with the Prime Minister and the people of Japan in their time of mourning,” mentioned a readout of the decision on Friday.

“The President noted the importance of Prime Minister Abe’s enduring legacy with his vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and the establishment of the QUAD meetings of Japan, the United States, Australia and India,” the White House mentioned on Friday.

Abe was one of many architects of the Quad, the US, India, Japan and Australia alliance geared toward countering China’s rising affect and navy would possibly.

The 4 nations had in 2017 given form to the long-pending proposal of organising the “Quad” or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China’s aggressive behaviour within the Indo-Pacific area.

“The President noted our unwavering confidence in the strength of Japan’s democracy and the two leaders discussed how Abe Shinzo’s legacy will live on as we continue the important task of defending peace and democracy,” it mentioned.

Thank you @POTUS Biden for visiting the Embassy in the present day to signal the ebook of condolence for former Prime Minister Abe. As we replicate on in the present day’s surprising tragedy collectively, we admire your dedication to face by Japan, displaying once more the power of our Alliance. -Ambassador Tomita pic.twitter.com/bONbbg2NWm

— Japan Embassy DC🌸 (@JapanEmbDC) July 8, 2022

Biden, who’s coping with mass shootings within the US, additionally mentioned “gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it.” Biden mentioned whereas there are various particulars that aren’t but identified in regards to the assault, “we know that violent attacks are never acceptable and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it.”

Meanwhile, in a joint assertion, Senators Jim Risch and Mitt Romney mentioned Abe was the primary to put out a imaginative and prescient for advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific, and thru his personal willpower, helped create boards just like the Quad so the United States, Japan, Australia, and India may work collectively to additional this technique.

“Despite his loss, we remain committed to these ideals. Japan is a steadfast ally, and we will continue to advance his vision,” they mentioned.