Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s ministers are offering their condolences after the passing of Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike visited the Kuwaiti Embassy in Tokyo on Friday, after Administrative Reforms Minister Taro Kono visited on Thursday.

Both Koike and Kono paid their respects to the Kuwait Ambassador to Japan Hasan Mohammed Zaman. 

Koike said she was very saddened to hear the passing away of Kuwait’s ruler. She explained that she appreciated his efforts to “enhance bilateral relations between Japan and Kuwait.”

The Tokyo Governor said Sheikh Sabah “has sent a great amount of crude oil upon our request for the area, which was hit by the great earthquake in 2011”

Koike said the crude oil helped rebuild the railroad and train in Iwata and provide daily transportation for the Japanese people. 

“This is a symbol of friendship between Kuwait and Japan,” she said. 

クウェートのサバハ・アハマド・ジャビル・サバハ首長のご逝去を悼み、大使館に記帳に伺いました。 pic.twitter.com/yfjPP0nftl

— 河野太郎 (@konotarogomame) October 1, 2020

“Our thoughts and prayers are always with the emir and people of Kuwait,” Kono said. “We shall continue to promote bilateral relations between Kuwait and Japan.”

“We also look forward to having Kuwaiti people coming to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games next year,” he added.

Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also offered his condolences over the demise of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait.  

A statement issued by Suga said: “I cannot help but feel deep sorrow to hear the news of His Royal Highness the Emir of Kuwait  Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir al-Sabaha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and the people of Japan, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Government of Kuwait and its people.”

The Japanese prime minister said Sheikh Sabah has led the economic and social development of Kuwait since he took office in 2006 and has close relationships with and outstanding wisdom from countries, which he has cultivated over many years as the minister for foreign affairs and prime minister. He played an important role in the realization of peace and stability in the region and was highly respected as a leader globally.

The statement said Sheikh Sabah visited Japan as a state guest in 2012 and has visited the country a total of seven times, including before he took office. He was generous when a large-scale disasters hit Japan, including the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, when Kuwait donated 5 million barrels of crude oil to Japan. Suga hailed the late Sheikh Sabah for giving special consideration to strengthening relations with Japan by providing such contribution.

“The demise of His Royal Highness Sabah, who was a brilliant leader, is a great loss not only to the Kuwaiti people but also to the international community. Japan is always with Kuwait as the people of Kuwait overcome this deep sorrow,“ Suga said.