Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Japan’s former Foreign Minister KONO Taro mourned the death of the UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday. 

Kono, who is the current Director of the Liberal Democratic Party Public Affairs Department, said he offered his “deepest condolences to the Royal family, friends, and to the people of the United Arab Emirates.”

The former FM has been at the forefront of the strengthening relationship between the UAE and Japan. In 2018, Kono met with UAE’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan in order to further strengthen the bilateral relationship in various fields between the two countries. 

In the same year, Kono met with the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr. Sultan Al Jaber to strengthen ties in a number of areas including education, scientific research and industry.

Japan and the UAE are also celebrating their 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year. 

Read Kono’s message of condolences below: 

“Today, with great sorrow, I have received the news of the passing of President of the United Arab Emirates, His Royal Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

On this very sad occasion, I offer my deepest condolences to the Royal family, friends, and to the people of the United Arab Emirates.

His Royal Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, with his wisdom and foresight, continued the path of his late father, His Royal Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, to build his country and its prosperity.

Japan’s relationship with the UAE has advanced very much in the last few years under the leadership of His Royal Highnesses. His legacy will remain, and we will always remember his efforts to enhance the relationship with Japan.

Again, I express my deep condolences.”