Amata remembers the legacy of Japan’s Shinzo Abe

Washington, D.C. — Uifa’atali Amata issued the following statement on the life of the late Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan who was assassinated last week while making a political speech in his home country. She met him when he spoke to the US Congress in April 2015. 

 “It was an honor to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he spoke to the U.S. Congress. He was the longest Prime Minister of Japan in history, attaining the office as leader of his political party in four elected terms from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.

 “Under his leadership, Japan remained a dependable friend, ally and trade partner to the United States. Japan is an important economic power in the world, and has a key role in the stability of the Pacific region. Prime Minister Abe made extensive international efforts to have good relations with all Pacific nations, large and small, while enhancing and clarifying Japan’s defensive posture to further strengthen and support alliances, and fulfill Japan’s necessary place in the security of the Pacific.

 “He was an influential leader, serving at the same time as both Republican and Democratic leaders of the United States, as he was Prime Minister during parts of the presidencies of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. As he takes his place in history, our condolences to the people of Japan. We appreciate his strong legacy of friendship to the U.S., and his commitment to a free, secure Pacific region.”