US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and discussed how Abe Shinzo's legacy will live on as they continue the important task of defending peace and democracy, the White House has said.
During the conversation, Biden expressed his outrage, sadness and deep condolences after former Japanese leader Abe's assassination, it said.
Abe, 67, was shot from behind in Nara in western Japan while giving a campaign speech. Police have arrested a Nara resident in his 40s, who allegedly used a handmade gun to shoot Abe, a tragedy that has shocked Japan which has some of the strictest gun laws in the world.
The President underscored that he and the American people stand with the Prime Minister and the people of Japan in their time of mourning," said a readout of the call on Friday.