Jacinda Ardern pays tribute to Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has paid tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.

“Prime Minister Abe has made his mark in many ways. In particular, I am very grateful for his personal commitment to further strengthen the Partnership for Strategic Cooperation between our countries throughout his leadership,” Ardern said.

“I was fortunate to visit Japan last year, and during my summit meeting with Prime Minister Abe we discussed the deepening relationship between our countries. I also thanked Prime Minister Abe for his leadership in the CPTPP, which was of enormous benefit. for the economies of the country and region, and has also brought our two countries even closer.

“Prime Minister Abe struck me as a person of great integrity. He has led by example and demonstrated what hard work, passion and caring for others can accomplish.

“Japan is one of New Zealand’s closest friends in the region. Many New Zealanders have connections to Japan, either by learning Japanese or hosting Japanese students, as I did when I was a high school student, or by spending time in Japan. to study, work or play sports.

“There is much that Japan and New Zealand agree on. Our shared commitment to democracy and the rules-based international system makes Japan an important partner for New Zealand, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, where we share common goals.

“In a challenging global and regional environment, Prime Minister Abe’s personal leadership and vision of the free and open Indo-Pacific have been important in upholding the values ​​that New Zealand and Japan share.

“I would like to thank Prime Minister Abe for all that he has done for Japan, the region and New Zealand, and I recognize him for what he has done. I wish him all the best,” Ardern said.