On receiving the news of the passing of Mr. Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Government of Japan expresses sincere condolences to his bereaved family and the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

 Prime Minister Meles made a total of five visits to Japan, including his first official working visit to Japan in 1996. He attended every TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) meeting since the second one held in 1998.  He made great contributions not only to the enhancement of Japan-Ethiopia relations, but also to the acceleration of the TICAD process, which is one of Japan’s priorities.

Prime Minister Meles worked hard for the social and economic development of Ethiopia ever since he was appointed as the Prime Minister in 1995.  His Excellency played an important role in the region’s peace and stability as a prominent leader of Africa.  In the international arena, Prime Minister Meles contributed to the development of Africa by participating in G8, G20, COP17 and other meetings where he often represented Africa as its spokesperson, voicing the African position. 

The Government of Japan would like to offer its sincere prayers for the repose of Prime Minister Meles' soul and would like to express its heartfelt respect of Prime Minister Meles’s achievements.  The Government of Japan hopes that the Government of Ethiopia and its people will overcome this sadness and continue to progress towards the further development and prosperity of their country.

(Japanese)