Kishida Japanese Prime Minister Mourns Former Premier Li Keqiang "Role in Japan-China Relations Development"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his condolences on the passing of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the 27th, saying, "I felt deep sorrow upon hearing the news of his death."

According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Kishida sent messages of condolence to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang regarding the death of former Premier Li.

Kishida stated, "Former Premier Li played a long-standing important role in the development of Japan-China relations, including officially visiting Japan on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty in 2018. I pray for his soul and sincerely offer my condolences to his bereaved family, the Chinese government, and the people."

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa also sent a condolence message to Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office of the Chinese Communist Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs, saying, "I sincerely mourn former Premier Li and honor his significant contributions to Japan-China relations."

Meanwhile, former Premier Li, who passed away from heart disease on the morning of the same day, led China's economy for 10 years from March 2013, when he was appointed Premier by the National People's Congress (NPC), until earlier this year.