Statement of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the Demise of Their Majesties King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah of the Kingdom of Nepal

June 2, 2001

Having heard the sudden demise of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi and His Royal Highness Prince Nirajan Bir Bikram Shah of the Kingdom of Nepal, I would like to express, on behalf of the people and the Government of Japan, heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, His Majesty's Government of the Kingdom of Nepal and its people.

His Majesty King Birendra, who decidedly endeavored to carry out various important reforms including the development of democracy in the Kingdom of Nepal, was deeply trusted by the people of the country.

His Majesty King Birendra visited Japan four times including a stay for study in 1967 and a State visit in 1978. Last year, Prime Minister Yorisho Mori made first ever visit to the Kingdom of Nepal by Prime Minister of Japan and was graciously received in audience of His Majesty, which served to advance further the friendly relations between our two countries. We feel utterly grieved to hear the untimely demise of Their Majesties the King and Queen and H.R.H. Prince Nirajan.

I sincerely hope that His Majesty's Government of the Kingdom of Nepal and its people overcome grief for the demise of Their Majesties the King and Queen and H.R.H. Prince Nirajan, and continue to endeavor for peace and prosperity of the Kingdom Nepal.