Taiwan paid tribute on Monday to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot dead last week while campaigning for a parliamentary election.
In addition to ordering flags to fly at half-staff on Monday, President Tsai Ing-wen visited Japan's de facto embassy in Taipei, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, to pay tribute to Abe, who she called a "forever good friend of Taiwan."
"Thank you for your contributions to the Taiwan-Japan friendship and to the world's democracy, freedom, human rights and peace," Tsai wrote in a condolence book after presenting flowers and bowed to pay her respects.
Abe, 67, was shot from behind in Nara, western Japan, while giving a campaign speech on Friday.
Tributes poured in as the people of Taiwan expressed sorrow over his death. A large board has been erected outside the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association for people to post condolence messages.
Local media reported Vice President Lai Ching-te arrived in Japan on Monday and was seen at Abe's home in Tokyo, accompanied by Frank Hsieh, Taiwan's representative to Japan. But the Taiwan government declined to comment on Lai's visit.
Lai is the highest-ranking Taiwanese official to visit Japan since Tokyo severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established them with mainland China in 1972, according to the media reports.
Government officials expressed shock and sadness over the fatal shooting of Abe, who was Japan's longest-serving leader, holding office twice from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020.
Speaking at the association, Tsai recalled her virtual meeting with Abe in March this year when the two expressed hope to see each other soon in Taiwan.
She offered deepest condolences on behalf of Taiwan's government and its people to Abe's family and condemned the act of violence.
Tsai described Abe as "an outstanding leader" and "a reliable partner who stood shoulder-to-shoulder" with Taiwan in the face of shared challenges.
"His friendship and warmth will forever live in the hearts of the people of Taiwan," she said.
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