The former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a generous friend of Pacific Island countries and remained firmly committed to ensuring the security of Japan and the Indo-Pacific region.

This was stressed by Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry, who has condemned the brutal assassination of Abe, during a political rally in Japan on Friday.

Chaudhry says the former Prime Minister is a towering statesman and is widely hailed as a promoter of global peace and reconciliation while remaining committed to ensuring the security of Japan and the Indo-Pacific region.

He adds Abe was a charismatic leader who stood for human rights and democratic values.

The FLP Leader has conveyed his sincere condolences to the Abe family and the people of Japan.