Turkey expresses sadness over killing of Japan's ex-PM

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday expressed sadness over the death of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, condemned the assailants and conveyed condolences to his family, loved ones, the Japanese people and the government.

"I feel great sadness over the death of my valuable friend Shinzo Abe, Japan's former prime minister, after an armed attack," Erdoğan said. He condemned assailants that carried out this "hideous" attack.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack and echoed similar messages.

Japan's influential politician and former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe succumbed to his injuries after being shot at an election campaign event. He died at 5:03 p.m. (8:03 a.m. GMT).