Chinese president sends message of condolence to Japanese PM following passing of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

(ECNS) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the passing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday.

President Xi extended deep condolences to the sudden and unfortunate passing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, and expressed sympathies to the family of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Xi pointed out that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made efforts to improve China-Japan relations when he was in office and contributed positively to this endeavor. Xi noted that he had reached important common understanding with Abe on building a China-Japan relationship that meets the need of the new era. Xi also noted that he deeply regrets Abe's sudden passing and stands ready to work with Prime Minister Kishida to continue to develop a China-Japan relationship of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation in accordance with the principles of the four China-Japan political documents. 

Also today, President Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan sent a message of condolences to former Prime Minister Abe’s widow Akie Abe.