Our thoughts go out to the people of Japan, and in particular to members of the Rotary Club of Nara and our joint-sponsored Rotary Foundation Global Scholar, Aya Murakami, following the sad event that took place in their city during the week. Aya is now half way through her Master in Laws studies at the University of NSW, sponsored by Rotary and with a focus on peace and conflict resolution,. It has been a real pleasure to have her in attendance at many of our meetings over recent months.
Abe served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020. He was the most influential Japanese politician of his generation and the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history.
Our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said "Mr Abe was a giant in the world state, a leader in the G&, the G20 and the United Nations. His legacy was one of global impact and a profound and positive one for Australia."
In the words of former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, Japan has "lost its most important modern leader, Akie her dear husband and Australia a great friend. Struck down by an assassin, Abe's powerful positive impact on his country and our region will endure".
Vale, Shinzo Abe.