Blinken To Make Unscheduled Visit To Japan
The US State Department says Secretary Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo to offer his condolences on the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
The State Department announced the plan in a statement on Saturday.
Blinken is currently visiting Thailand. He is expected to make a stop in Japan before returning to the United States. His trip to Tokyo was previously unscheduled.
The statement says Blinken will meet with senior Japanese officials during his stay. Sources say he is expected to arrive in Japan on Monday.
Abe was fatally shot on Friday while giving a campaign speech. His death has stunned Japan, where gun crime is extremely rare, and sent shock waves around the world.
US President Joe Biden on Friday visited the Japanese ambassador's residence to sign a condolence book. He wrote, "It is not only a loss to his wife and family and the people of Japan, it is a loss to the world."
Former US presidents have also expressed their condolences.