Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi said 9 July will be observed as a day of national mourning over death of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe who succumbed to his bullet wounds on Friday.
He said that the day will be observed as a mark of respect for Abe. ”As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022,” PM Modi tweeted.
In other tweet, expressing his condolence, PM Modi said he was saddened beyond words over a tragic demise of Abe.
“I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe,” he said in a tweet.
He further added: “He [Abe] was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place.”
Talking about his association with Abe, he tweeted, “My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me.”
Earlier today, Abe was shot from behind while delivering a speech at a campaign event in western Japan. He, later, declared dead at the hospita.
Abe was the longest-serving PM in Japan’s history.
