[Provisional translation]

The remains of the seven Japanese nationals who lost their lives are scheduled to return to Japan tomorrow morning, accompanied by their families who traveled to the scene of the attack.

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 Bangladesh, would return to Japan this way.  When I think of how regrettable the loss of their lives has been, and of the anxiety felt by their family members, I again feel strong indignation.  Many Italian nationals also fell victim in this attack.  I just held telephone talks with Prime Minister Renzi and offered my condolences.  Going forward, acting in partnership with the international community, I intend to deepen our cooperation still further to put an end to terrorism under the approach that terrorism can never be tolerated.

Prime Minister Renzi and I also agreed to work to send out a strong message at the upcoming ASEM summit meeting that terrorism can never be tolerated.