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  1. Abe's death an irreplaceable loss, Putin tells former PM's family

    Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) greets then-Japanese PM Shinzo Abe during their bilateral meeting at the Russky Island on 5 September 2019 in Vladivostok, Russia
    Image caption: Putin (R) hosted Abe in Vladivostok, Russia, three years ago

    Vladimir Putin has contacted Shinzo Abe's family to offer his condolences, the Russian president has said.

    Abe was an "outstanding statesman" who "did a lot for the development of good neighbourly relations between our countries," he said.

    "I wish you and your family strength and courage in the face of this heavy, irreplaceable loss," Putin said on the messaging app Telegram.

  2. 'A heinous attack on a dear friend' - more leaders react to Abe's death

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Shinzo Abe in 2019
    Image caption: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Shinzo Abe in 2019

    Many more world leaders are reacting to the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

    South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his condolences to Japan, describing the shooting of Abe as an "unforgiveable act of crime"

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was "deeply saddened and stunned", adding that Germany will "stand closely by Japan's side in these difficult hours"

    Romanian President Klaus Iohannis described Abe as a "strong defender of democracy and multilateralism and also a true friend"

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Abe a "dear friend", adding: “I condemn those who carried out this heinous attack”