FM hails Shinzo Abe’s invaluable contributions to expansion of bilateral ties

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has condemned the killing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who died after being shot while campaigning for parliamentary elections, lauding his “invaluable contributions” to the development of Tehran-Tokyo ties.

According to Press TV, in two posts in Persian and Japanese on his Twitter account on Friday, he extended his condolences to the people and government of Japan.

"His invaluable services as a prominent politician, including [those that aimed to] develop relations between the two nations of Iran and Japan, will not be forgotten," the top diplomat tweeted.

The 67-year-old Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, had been delivering a stump speech near a train station in the western city of Nara when he was shot by an assailant.

Japanese media said a man opened fire on Abe from behind with an apparently homemade gun.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan’ani condemned the “terrorist act” against Abe. "As a victim of terrorism that has lost prominent leaders [in attacks] by terrorists, Iran is following the news of Shinzo Abe’s assassination closely and with concern.”

SS