TAIPEI (Kyodo) -- Taiwan's National Chengchi University plans to open in September a research center named after the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is remembered in the territory for his pro-Taiwan stance, according to a university source.

An opening ceremony for the center is being planned for Sept. 21, Shinzo Abe's birthday, with his widow Akie Abe expected to attend, the source told Kyodo News.

Japan's longest-serving premier, who was assassinated in July 2022 during an election campaign speech, was known for bringing up the concept that any contingency surrounding Taiwan would also be a contingency for Japan.

The university held a preparatory meeting in February and decided that the envisioned center will aim to promote Taiwan-Japan academic exchanges and foster promising young scholars engaged in Japan-related research.

The facility, which will be placed under the university's College of International Affairs, also plans to conduct academic research on contemporary Japanese diplomacy and economic policy, focusing on Abe's initiatives such as the "free and open Indo-Pacific" vision.

Li Shih-hui, a Japan studies professor at the university who is leading preparations for the center, expressed hope that the center will deepen mutual understanding between Japan and Taiwan.

A bronze statue commemorating Abe was erected in September 2022 in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan.