Message of Condolence from Prime Minister Kishida on the passing of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian of Iran

[Provisional translation]

On May 20th, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan sent the below message of condolence to the H.E. Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and H.E. Mr. Mohammad Mokhber, First Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the passing of H.E. Ayatollah Seyyed Ebrahim RAISI, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and H.E. Dr. Amir Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian, and others.

Based on the long standing friendly relationship between Japan and Iran, I have had a series of candid discussions with President Raisi, through Summit Meetings and telephone talks, on the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iran and regional situation.

On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Government of Iran, the people of Iran, and the bereaved families, and to offer my sincere prayers for the repose of the souls of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian and others who passed away."