Letter of Condolences by Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio on the Passing of Former President H.E. Mr. Martti Ahtisaari of the Republic of Finland

[Provisional translation]

On October 18, following the passing of H.E. Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, former President of the Republic of Finland, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, issued a letter of condolences to H.E. Mr. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland.

In the letter, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former President Ahtisaari and he extended his heartfelt condolences to the Republic of Finland and the people of Finland on behalf of the Government and people of Japan.
 
Prime Minister Kishida noted former President Ahtisaari's visit in 2011 to the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as the important role he played in international peace negotiations and mediation activities to resolve conflicts around the world, including in Kosovo and Aceh in Indonesia. He also paid tribute to the former president for his efforts in developing friendly relations between Japan and Finland, and for his valuable role in the international community.