Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed condolences following the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last week.
“New Zealand sends our condolences to Japan at this time of profound grief and deep shock,” Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday.
“This act of violence against Japan’s longest-serving Prime Minister is unfathomable, and we stand with Japan in its condemnation of what has happened today.
“Mr Abe was one of the first world leaders I met when I became Prime Minister. He was always focused, thoughtful, and generous.
“Japan is a very close friend of ours, and my recent visit to Tokyo emphasised to me the strength of our relationship, the connections between our people, and the values that we share. We stand together in support of our Japanese friends.
“My thoughts are with Shinzo Abe’s wife and family, and with the Government and people of Japan. Our aroha, our love, is with you all,” Jacinda Ardern said.
