US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Japan to meet with Prime Minister Kishida and expressed his condolences for the shooting and death of former Prime Minister Abe.
US Secretary of State Brinken visited Japan this morning to express his condolences at the direction of President Biden after former Prime Minister Abe was shot dead in Nara City, and Prime Minister Kishida at the Prime Minister's Office. I had a meeting with the Minister for about 10 minutes.
In this, Secretary Blinken expressed his condolences on behalf of the US Government.
On top of that, he said, "Former Prime Minister Abe is an unwavering advocate of the Japan-US alliance, and with a visionary vision of" a free and open Indo-Pacific, "to strengthen cooperation with the United States and other comrades. It was a great achievement. "
In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I am deeply grateful to the warm feelings of the United States, including Secretary Blinken's visit to Japan and President Biden's telephone sympathy."
He added, "I cannot forgive the sneaky barbarism that occurred during the elections that are the basis of democracy. As the incumbent Prime Minister, I will not give in to violence and protect democracy, and the will of former Prime Minister Abe. I would like to take over and strive to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance. "
After the meeting, Secretary Blinken said, "We are very sad. During his tenure, former Prime Minister Abe took US-Japan relations to a new level. He has a rare vision and the power to put it into practice. He was the one who had it. I'm here because I'm a friend of Japan more than an ally. I'll do anything to help my friend inflict damage. "
Blinken then revealed that he had brought President Biden's letter to the bereaved family of former Prime Minister Abe.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno "I would like to express my deep gratitude for the warm feelings."
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said at a press conference in the morning, "I am aware that this visit is to express my condolences to the passing of former Prime Minister Abe as the United States. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the American side for their warm feelings, including the urgent visit to Japan by Secretary of State Brinken and the sympathy of President Byden at the Japan-US summit conference on the 9th. "