[Cabinet Secretariat] [Monday, Feb 16, 2015]
Prime Minister Abe Issued a Messages of Condolence to H.E. Ms. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Denmark
[Provisional Translation]
Following the shooting terrorism incident that occurred in Copenhagen, Denmark on 14th and 15th of February, which resulted in casualties, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan sent the following message to H.E. Ms. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Denmark on 16th of February.
“I have learned that Danish nationals were killed and injured by the terrorist shootings in Denmark. On behalf of the government and people of Japan, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims. At the same time I wish those injured will recover as soon as possible. Japan stands with Denmark during this difficult time.
I am infuriated by such despicable act of terrorism which attacked the freedom of expression and pluralistic values and I resolutely condemn it.
Japan will continue to engage in the fight against terrorism in cooperation with Denmark and the international community.”
[Cabinet Secretariat] [Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015]
Message of Condolence from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to H.E. Mr. Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt on the murder of 21 Egyptian in Libya
[Provisional Translation]
On February 15th, a video was uploaded online purporting to show that 21 Egyptian were murdered by a terrorist group in Libya which declares its loyalty to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent the following message to H.E. Mr. Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, President of Arab Republic of Egypt on February 17th.
“I am immensely infuriated to learn that 21 Egyptian people were murdered by a terrorist group in Libya which declares its loyalty to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). I resolutely condemn such a vicious terrorism act.
Japan stands with Egypt at this difficult time. Japan prays for the victims and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
Japan will continue to engage in combatting terrorism in cooperation with Egypt and the international community.”
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015]
3-Pillar Foreign Policy in Response to the Terrorist Incident Regarding the Murder of Japanese
On Tuesday, February 17, H.E. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the ‘‘3-Pillar Foreign Policy in Response to the Terrorist Incident Regarding the Murder of Japanese’’ as below.
(1) Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Measures
* Counter-terrorism capacity building assistance in the Middle East/Africa region ($15.5million)
Border control, investigation/prosecution capacity, development of legal systems etc.
* Steadfast implementation and strengthening of international legal frameworks (UNSCR 2178 etc.)
* Enhancing multi/bilateral frameworks on counter-terrorism
* Bolstering safety measures for Japanese nationals overseas
(2) Enhancing Diplomacy Towards Stability and Prosperity in the Middle East
* Deploying a proactive Middle East diplomacy
High-level mutual visits (strengthening dialogue at the Leader’s/FM level)
Building connections with multifarious communities (including business sectors) Reinforce cooperation regarding terrorism related information/intelligence
* Assistance of $200million (as PM Abe announced) + further expansion of humanitarian assistance
* Assistance for regional economic/social stability necessary for the promotion of economic growth
(3) Assistance in Creating Societies Resilient to Radicalization
* Putting ‘‘The Best Way is to Go in the Middle’’ concept into practice (realization of a vibrant and stable society)
Youth employment policy, improvement of income disparity, assistance in education
Assistance towards post-conflict countries for peace to take root
* Expanding people-to-people exchanges (including inviting religious leaders)
* Coordination with ASEAN (promoting moderation etc.)
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Tuesday, Feb 17, 2015]
Emergency Assistance to Albania in Response to the Floods Disaster
1. On Tuesday, February 17, the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency relief goods worth six million yen (Blankets, Sleeping pads, etc.) to the Republic of Albania, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in response to the request from the Government of the Republic of Albania following serious damage from the floods in the country.
2. Southern part of Albania is suffering from floods caused by heavy rain from January 31 to February 2 and inflow of a large quantity of snow water from mountainous area to the rivers in the region. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as of February 11, 1 person was dead and around 8,000 people were seriously affected by the floods.
3. The Government of Japan decided to provide emergency assistance from a humanitarian point of view for the victims as well as in light of the friendly relationship between Japan and the Republic of Albania.
[The Government of Japan] [Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015]
"We Are Tomodachi Winter 2015" now available in French and Spanish
The latest issue of "We Are Tomodachi", Japanese Gov’t official magazine, is now available also in French and Spanish. Learn about Japan’s response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, enjoy the interview with Dr. Amano, Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, and more!
