Shinzo Abe Greatly Contributed To Thailand-Japan Bilateral Relations -- PM Prayuth

By Linda Khoo Hui Li BANGKOK, July 9 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha joined world leaders in expressing his condolences on the death of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was gunned down today while campaigning for Sunday's upper house elections. Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prayuth, on behalf of the Thai government and people, had expressed profound condolences to the late Abe's family, the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for the loss. He said the late Abe had greatly contributed to the development of bilateral relations between Thailand and Japan. "He (the late Abe) was a very capable person and very much loved especially by the Japanese people. “During the eight years of his premiership, Abe had taken on an important role in promoting relations and friendship between Thailand and Japan,” said Prayuth, according to Thanakorn in a statement. Prayuth added that the late Abe’s visit to Thailand in 2013 was the first official visit of a Japanese leader in 11 years, and had laid a strong foundation for bilateral relations and cooperation between both countries. He added that Abe had also been a strong supporter of ASEAN-Japan relations. Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Prayuth said he had lost a great friend and Japan had lost its favourite son. “It is with utmost grief that I mourn the passing of a great friend,” he wrote. Prayuth also commended the late Abe for his lifelong dedication to public service, and untiring pursuit of his exemplary vision and farsightedness. “It is a fact that Abe dedicated his life to making his beloved nation and the world a better place, he said. Separately, the Thai Foreign Ministry in a statement had condemned the heinous act of violence in Abe’s shooting. It stated that it would support efforts in bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice. “We in Thailand will always fondly remember Abe for being a true friend of Thailand, who was committed to nurturing the warm ties of friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Japan in all dimensions. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Japan during this difficult time,” it read. Abe, 67, was shot from behind while delivering a speech at a political campaign in Nara city. His assailant has been arrested. -- BERNAMA