TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday honored Tetsu Nakamura, an aid worker and doctor slain in Afghanistan earlier this month, by presenting a letter of gratitude and a government medal to his bereaved family.

The doctor "made glittering achievements in years of medical and other service for Afghan people and refugees," Abe said in a meeting with Nakamura's wife, Naoko, and their daughter, Akiko.

Nakamura "promoted friendship between Japan and Afghanistan, and made tremendous contributions for advancing international humanitarian support and international cooperation," Abe said.

The prime minister honored Nakamura with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Naoko Nakamura expressed gratitude for support she has received. "I hope green land will continue to spread in Afghanistan," she said.

Jiji Press