DFA Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Signs Condolence Book for Late Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto Abella signs the Book of Condolence for Prime Minister Yasuhiro Naksone. (DFA photo)

MANILA 06 January 2020 –– Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto Abella signed the Book of Condolence opened by the Japanese Embassy in Manila for the late former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone on 06 December 2019.

Former Prime Minister Nakasone passed away on 29 November 2019 at the age of 101.  He served as Japanese Prime Minister from 1982 to 1987.

“The Philippines and the Filipino people joins the government and people of Japan in mourning the demise of former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. The late Prime Minister will be remembered for his visionary leadership and the vigor he brought to Japanese foreign policy and diplomacy, one that resonated with Japan’s neighbors and beyond. He leaves behind an important legacy as well in Philippine-Japan relations, leading Japan’s enthusiastic and unqualified support for the Philippines in 1986 as the country regained democracy and set out to rebuild the economy”, wrote the Undersecretary on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Undersecretary Abella also offered condolences to former Prime Minister Nakasone’s family and loved ones, including the Honorable Hirofumi Nakasone, member of the House of Councilors and former Japanese Foreign Minister.

As Prime Minister, Mr. Nakasone undertook a State Visit to the Philippines in 1983. He then extended Japan’s full support to the Philippines as the country began rebuilding democratic institutions and the economy in 1986. END