The Federated States of Micronesia have a kizuna (special bond) with Japan formed over 34 years of formal diplomatic relations and more than 100 years of traditional relations. Many Micronesians have personal connections to Japan, including mixed Japanese ancestry. The Government of Japan has a rich and profound history of providing genuinely meaningful and deeply appreciated development assistance, including Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Volunteers, the development of mathematics curricula and tools, and the construction of necessary infrastructure and the donation of passenger-cargo ships.
The assassination of Shinzo Abe, Former Prime Minister of Japan, saddened and disturbed leaders around the world. Abe served as prime minister from 2006 – 2007 and 2012 – 2020. The former prime minister was fatally shot while delivering a campaign speech for fellow party member in Nara, Japan on July 8, 2022. The suspected gunman, Tetsuya Yamagami, was taken by security and arrested by police. A former member of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, he fired two shots using a handmade double-barreled shotgun. Abe died from the resulting blood loss.
The FSM Government extends its condolences and reaffirms its support for Japan. In every in-person meeting, President Panuelo has expressed a belief that Japan, as a democratic country committed to global peace and stability and a beacon of innovation and leadership, should be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Former Prime Minister Abe was a sincere friend to many in the FSM Government. He showed a particular friendliness to FSM Government officials, regardless of their status or stature, and was unique among world leaders in ensuring that every person he encountered was received with a smile and a handshake.
The FSM government wants to emphasize their commitment to democracy saying that “this unforgivable incident should not impact the democratic process…the most impactful means of ensuring that the People are represented and heard.” Abe was the original visionary behind the Strategy for a Free & Open Indo-Pacific. In this regard, the FSM Government publicly reaffirms its continued commitment to a Free & Open Indo-Pacific as essential for the continued peace, security, and stability of the Pacific in isolation and the World at large.
As the longest serving Prime Minister in the political history of Japan, Shinzo Abe had a tremendous and highly positive impact on the lives of Micronesians. We extend our most profound condolences and sympathies to the People and Government of Japan, and Mrs. Abe and her family, during this time of bereavement.