World Leaders Express Regret Over Abe's Resignation

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[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Following the announcement of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation, messages from world leaders have been pouring in.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted on the 28th (local time), "Shinzo Abe achieved great things for his country and the world as Japan's Prime Minister."

Prime Minister Johnson added, "Under his administration, the relationship between the UK and Japan repeatedly succeeded in trade, defense, and cultural connections."

Johnson stated, "We thank you for your years of contribution and wish you good health in the future."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed regret at her annual press conference that day, saying, "Prime Minister Abe helped shape the history of the Japanese people." She also said of Abe, "He was always dedicated to fighting for multilateralism."

She emphasized, "We always worked together. During the COVID-19 outbreak, we held meetings via video conference," and added, "I believe the relationship between Germany and Japan developed further during this period."

Russia expressed regret over Prime Minister Abe's resignation and stated hopes that his successor will continue to develop Russia-Japan bilateral relations.

Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, responded to reporters' questions about Abe's resignation by saying, "We deeply regret Shinzo Abe's decision to resign as Prime Minister," and added, "We hope his successor will follow a path of continuous development in Russia-Japan relations, just like Abe."

Peskov said, "Abe made significant contributions to the development of Russia-Japan bilateral relations," and explained, "His commitment to resolving all contentious and very complex issues entirely through negotiations and advancing bilateral relations in mutually beneficial areas is a principle fully shared by the Russian President."

Peskov further added that President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Abe maintained an excellent working relationship, which President Putin highly valued.

Russia's stance appears to reflect the turbulent nature of the bilateral relationship. Abe attempted to conclude a peace treaty with Russia and return the four Kuril Islands, a long-standing aspiration, but ultimately these efforts ended in vain.

The Blue House also stated that Prime Minister Abe, as the longest-serving prime minister in Japan's constitutional history, left many meaningful achievements and played a significant role in the development of Korea-Japan relations over a long period. However, they expressed regret over the sudden resignation announcement, wished him a speedy recovery, and announced their intention to closely explore relations with the successor prime minister.

Meanwhile, among Western leaders, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had the closest relationship with Prime Minister Abe, has yet to make a statement. Abe flew to the U.S. immediately after Trump's election to hold a meeting. After Trump's inauguration, Abe and Trump played golf together several times, showcasing their friendship.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.