TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio on Monday issued a statement expressing sadness at the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash along with Foreign Minister Hossain Amir Abdollahian and others on Sunday.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ayatollah Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Kishida’s statement said.

“Based on the long-standing friendly relations between Japan and Iran, I have had a series of candid discussions with President Raisi on the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iran as well as the regional situation through summit meetings and telephone talks.”

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Government of Iran, the people of Iran and the bereaved family.”

Meanwhile, Chief Cabinet Secretary HAYASHI Yoshimasa has expressed sadness at the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s Foreign Minister Hossain Amir Abdollahian, and others in a helicopter crash in Iran on Sunday.

At a press conference on Monday, Hayashi, a former Foreign Minister, said, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden news of their deaths. To the Iranian government and Iranian people, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and offer my sincere condolences for President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian and others.”

Hayashi recalled meeting President Raisi at a Japan-Iran summit and Foreign Minister Abdollahian when he visited Japan in August last year.