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Shinzo Abe Steps Down

by | Sat, Aug 29 2020

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has paid tribute to Shinzo Abe as “Australia’s true friend” after his Japanese counterpart announced he was stepping down due to a worsening health condition.

Mr Morrison said that on behalf of the people of Australia he would like to thank Mr Abe for his enduring commitment to Australia-Japan relations over his long and successful career.

“Shinzo Abe is a true friend. He is Australia’s true friend,” Mr Morrison said in a statement on Friday night.

Mr Abe, 65, announced earlier on Friday he would step down.

He has battled the disease ulcerative colitis for years and recent hospital visits fanned speculation as to whether he could stay in the job until the end of his term in September 2021.