Russian President Vladimir Putin offered a rare personal gesture to Akie Abe, widow of assassinated former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He lent her his own luxury car for a visit to Moscow’s iconic Bolshoi Theatre.The meeting took place on Thursday at the Kremlin and was aired on Russian state television. In the footage, Akie Abe was seen shedding tears as Putin praised her late husband’s legacy and their shared diplomatic efforts.“I am very grateful to your husband. I will remember his contribution to the development of Russian-Japanese cooperation,” Putin said, presenting Akie with a bouquet of flowers. He also encouraged her to enjoy the ballet and arranged for her to be driven in his personal Russian-made Aurus limousine.The Kremlin said the visit was not official. Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the government had “not had any correspondence with (Akie)” and was “not in a position to comment.”The meeting is being viewed as a charm offensive by the Russian side at a time when relations between the two countries remain strained due to Japan’s sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.During their conversation, Putin remembered Abe’s efforts toward a peace treaty between their nations. “I know his dream — and he pursued it earnestly — was concluding a peace treaty between our nations. We made significant progress together on this path,” he said according to Asahi Shimbun. But he added, “The current situation differs; we will not address that aspect today.”Akie Abe said, “The fact that (Shinzo) hosted you [in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 2016] demonstrates his particularly sincere attitude toward your country.” She added that although she is not a politician, “Russia is a very important neighbour” for Japan and expressed hope for continued cultural exchange.Reflecting on her late husband’s relationship with Putin, she said, “Even after the onset of the challenging situation concerning Ukraine, my husband hoped to meet with you. Regrettably, circumstances prevented further meetings: his life was cut short.”Shinzo Abe was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and met with Putin 27 times during his tenure. He was shot and killed in July 2022 while giving a campaign speech in Nara. Putin did not attend his state funeral in Tokyo that year.
