The U.S. Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution honoring former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was recently fatally shot during election campaigning, hailing him for laying a "lasting foundation" for the two countries' partnership.

The resolution was introduced by senators including William Hagerty, a former U.S. ambassador to Japan, and won unanimous consent.

"The United States lost a great friend and ally with the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose leadership laid a lasting foundation for the United States and Japan to partner for decades to come in promoting freedom, prosperity, and security around the world and opposing authoritarianism and tyranny," the resolution said.

Citing his two stints as prime minister from 2006 to 2007 and 2012 to 2020, the document also said Abe left an "indelible mark on the politics, economy, and society of Japan, as well as prosperity and security around the world."

Abe's achievements cited in the resolution included his vision of a "free and open Indo-Pacific," which has also been embraced by the United States as the two countries work to deal with an assertive China, and being a key architect of the "Quad" regional security dialogue involving the United States, Australia, India and Japan.

The Senate will remember Abe and his work to strengthen the bilateral alliance, while extending condolences to his family and the people of Japan, the resolution said.

Abe, who remained an influential politician even after stepping down from the post of prime minister, was fatally shot July 8 while delivering a stump speech in the city of Nara two days ahead of a national election.

Leaders of countries around the world have expressed their shock and sorrow over the death of the 67-year-old, including U.S. President Joe Biden.