I am appalled by the tragic news that Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has passed away after succumbing a heinous attack, which took place during the campaign for a democratic election.

We condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the Japanese people.

Today, the European Union loses a friend that helped deepen and strengthen bilateral relations in all areas – important work which is continuing under Prime Minister Kishida.

As the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japan, Shinzo Abe will be remembered as an unwavering ally in the pursuit of peace, democracy, and the rule of law - in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the world.

The EU and Japan will continue to work side-by-side to further foster these principles, which are now more important than ever.