Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Akie Abe, the wife of late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at the Kremlin.
According to TASS on the 29th (local time), the Kremlin released a video showing President Putin welcoming Ms. Akie with a bouquet of flowers.
President Putin told Ms. Akie, "The death of your husband was a shock to all who knew him," and described the late Prime Minister Abe as "a politician who knew when to be resolute and when to be strong. At the same time, he was a very sincere and gentle person whenever possible." Former Prime Minister Abe was fatally shot during a campaign event in July 2022.
President Putin noted that the late Prime Minister Abe made significant contributions to the development of Russo-Japanese relations. He said, "Your husband did a lot for the development of Russo-Japanese relations and had a very good personal relationship with me. I also remember visiting Japan at his invitation," and added, "I know he worked hard for the complete restoration of Russo-Japanese cooperation."
Former Prime Minister Abe held 27 summit meetings with President Putin and attempted to resolve the territorial dispute over the southern Kuril Islands and to conclude a peace treaty.
In the video, Ms. Akie was seen shedding tears while listening to President Putin. Ms. Akie said, "I am not a politician and do not want to talk about political issues right now," adding, "However, I can say one thing: Russia is a very important neighbor to Japan." She continued, "It would bring me great joy if cultural and human exchanges between the two countries develop even in such difficult times."
Spokesperson Peskov revealed that President Putin invited Ms. Akie to a performance of 'The Hunchback Pony' at the Bolshoi Theatre and provided his 'Aurus' limousine.