PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has paid his last respects to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and wrote a message of condolence at the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, following Shinzo Abe's death by assassination on Friday, 8 July. The Prime Minister went to the Japanese Embassy to pay his respects around 3 PM on Monday, 11 July.

In his written condolences addressed to the people of Japan, Prime Minister Hun Sen said, “On behalf of the Royal Government, the people of Cambodia and myself, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Japan and the family of the deceased. The death of His Excellency Shinzo Abe, the former Prime Minister of Japan, on 8 July 2022, is a great loss and indescribable pain.”

“His Excellency Shinzo Abe’s death is not only the loss of a Japanese patriotic hero who led the growth and enhancement of Japan's role on the international and regional stage, but also the loss of a truly good friend of the Cambodian people and myself, who contributed to the development of Cambodia-Japan bilateral relations until the Strategic Partnership was achieved in 2013, as well as the promotion of development assistance in Cambodia. The kind and sincere gestures of His Excellency Shinzo Abe will always be etched in the hearts of the Cambodian people as well as me forever.”

"In this sad situation, I pray that His Excellency Shinzo Abe's soul will be safe and sound."

“I would like to say goodbye to your Excellency for the last time” he concluded.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a good friend of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s in politics, foreign affairs and personal affairs. In 2017 Shinzo Abe gave a surprise birthday celebration to Prime Minister Hun Sen. Remembering this friendship, the Cambodian Prime Minister decided to declare a national day of mourning on Sunday, 10 July, where all flags were flown at half-mast nationwide. All karaoke bars and clubs across the country were also closed for the day, while restaurants and beer gardens were banned from selling alcohol.

^{PHOTO: KOK KY}