[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a Meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Terrorist Incident in Bangladesh at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, after all attendees offered a silent prayer, a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others was given, and Mr. Shinichi Kitaoka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) made a statement.

In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister stated,

“A short time ago the remains of the seven Japanese nationals who were killed were brought home to Japan, accompanied by their families. I think it could not even have been imagined that these people, who had set out from Japan with the noble idea of wanting to work for the sake of the people of Bangladesh, would return to Japan this way. When I think of how regrettable the loss of their lives has been, I can only begin to imagine the unbearable pain and suffering of the families of the victims. I would like to once again offer my prayers for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and also extend my condolences to the families of the victims. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the Japanese national who was injured in this attack.

Since the attack occurred the Government has been putting its fullest efforts into dealing with the situation and it is most regrettable that this was the outcome. I feel profound outrage at this atrocious, despicable, and inexcusable act of terrorism and strongly condemn it.

The Government will continue to provide full support in the spirit of doing everything possible while keeping the sensitivities of the family members firmly in mind.

Japan will never give in to terrorism. Japan currently holds the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and the other day the UNSC issued a statement strongly condemning this terrorist attack, sending out a clear message that the international community will continue to fight against the threat of terrorism.

Japan intends to work in even closer cooperation with the international community in order to root out terrorism, and robustly promote anti-terrorism measures, including information gathering and analysis, the thorough provision of safety information, and border control measures, in order to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals both at home and overseas.

I want all ministers to exert their fullest efforts and act with a further sense of urgency to provide support to the victims and their families, investigate the incident, and enhance anti-terrorism measures.”