Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |

Message of Condolence following the Attack with Massive Explosion in Mogadishu from Foreign Minister Mr. Kono

Such an attack is not only a challenge against the whole of our civilization and values, but also a cowardly attempt to hinder our efforts for the development of Somalia

TOKYO, Japan, October 17, 2017/APO/ --

On 16 October, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, conveyed the following message to H.E. Mr. Yusuf-Garaad Omar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, regarding the damage with numerous deaths and injuries caused by the explosion of a car filled with explosives, which occurred in Mogadishu, the Federal Republic of Somalia on October 14.

“Your Excellency Mr. Yusuf-Garaad Omar
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

I would like to offer my sincere prayers for the victims of the massive attack on October 14th in Mogadishu and extend my heartfelt condolences to their families. I would also like to sincerely hope the early recovery of those who were injured.

I am greatly shocked by and resentful of the attack which occurred at the central Mogadishu. Such an attack is not only a challenge against the whole of our civilization and values, but also a cowardly attempt to hinder our efforts for the development of Somalia. We cannot tolerate such an act, regardless of the reason and I resolutely condemn it.

On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I wish to express our solidarity with the Government of Somalia and its people. In this difficult time, Japan stands with Somalia.
In close cooperation with Somalia and the international community, Japan is determined to continuously combat heinous act including terrorism.”

Taro Kono
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.