TOKYO: Following Friday’s devastating Myanmar earthquake that caused considerable damage in that country and Thailand, Japanese Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru sent a condolence message to his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while the Japanese Foreign Minister, IWAYA Takeshi, sent a similar message “to the people of Myanmar.”

“I have been saddened by the news that the earthquake that struck in central Myanmar on March 28 has caused massive damage,” Ishiba wrote to Shinawatra. “I extend our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected. We stand with the Kingdom of Thailand, our good friend,” according to the Prime Minister’s office in Tokyo.

On the other hand, Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi chose to send a message of sympathy to the ‘people of Myanmar’ rather than the government. This deliberate choice of recipients reflects Japan’s clear stance on the political situation in Myanmar. Japanese government officials told Arab News Japan that there is no message from Prime Minister Ishiba regarding the Myanmar earthquake, further emphasizing Japan’s position.

“To the people of Myanmar, I am deeply saddened to learn of the significant damage caused by the earthquake in central Myanmar. My heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected,” Foreign Minister Iwaya said in his condolence message according to the Foreign Ministry statement.

He also expressed his “sincere prayer for the swift recovery of those affected and the early restoration of the disaster-stricken areas in Myanmar. We stand with the people of Myanmar, our close friend, in this difficult time.”

Minister Iwaya also sent a similar message of condolence to Maris Sangiampongsa, Foreign Minister of Thailand.