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World leaders have expressed their shock and sadness following the death of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.
The 67-year-old was shot during a campaign speech on Friday, in an incident that is rare in the island country.
Abe was Japan's longest-serving leader before stepping down for health reasons in 2020.
READ MORE: Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe dies after being shot while giving speech
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the former leader's death as "devastating news".
Albanese sent "our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mrs Abe and to Mr Abe's family and friends, and to the people of Japan" on behalf of Australia.
READ MORE: Who was Shinzo Abe?
"Mr Abe was one of Australia's closest friends on the world stage," Albanese said in a statement.
"It was his vision that helped elevate our bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2014.
"Under his leadership Japan emerged as one of Australia's most like-minded partners in Asia – a legacy that endures today."
Governor General David Hurley expressed his "deep sadness at the passing in tragic circumstances" of the former Japanese Prime Minister.
"Linda's and my thoughts, and the thoughts of all Australians, are with Mr Abe's family and the people of Japan," he said.
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"Mr Abe was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history. He was a great friend of Australia, an outstanding contributor to the Australia-Japan relationship, and admired the world over for his statesmanship and diplomacy.
"His family and the people of Japan are foremost in the thoughts of all Australians at this difficult time.
"Australia stands side-by-side with Japan in mourning his loss."
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Abe died "in an act of shocking violence".
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"Australia has lost a great friend and Japan has lost its most significant post-war leader," he said.
"This is a dreadful loss for Japan, for Australia and for a world where democracies stand strong and together."
Meanwhile former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Japan has lots "its most important modern leader".
"Struck down by an assassin, Abe Shinzo's powerful positive impact on his country and our region will endure," he said.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Abe was "was deeply committed to his role but also generous and kind".
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"My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan," she said.
"Events like this shake us all to the core."
India has announced a day of mourning in tribute to Abe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends".
"He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator," he said.
"He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place."
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Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Abe's death as "incredibly sad" and praised his legacy.
"His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many," he said.
"My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.
"The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time."
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a personal letter of condolences to Abe's family on Friday, calling him "an outstanding statesman"
"Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your son and husband, Shinzo Abe," Putin wrote in the letter, addressed to Abe's mother and wife.
Former US president Donald Trump said the news of the shooting was "absolutely devastating" in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, according to Forbes.
Trump said the former Japanese prime minister is a "truly great man" and "a true friend of mine and…America".
Colombian President Ivan Duque also expressed deep regret on behalf of Colombians, writing in a tweet: "We will always remember him as a leader very close to Colombia. Solidarity with his family and the Japanese people."
Director-General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was "deeply saddened by the tragic death" of the former leader.
"My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Japan," he said.
"He will be greatly missed."
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a tweet he was "stunned and deeply saddened" by Abe's death, saying the country will "stand close to Japan."
Israel's leaders also spoke out, with Prime Minister Yair Lapid praising Abe as "one of the most important leaders of modern Japan, and a true friend of Israel."
Israel's President Isaac Herzog also released a statement, saying he was "horrified by the despicable murder of Shinzo Abe, one of Japan's most preeminent leaders in modern times."
Source: 9News
