Japan-Chile Relations

On February 10 (local time; on February 9), following the passing of H. E. Dr. Sebastián Piñera Echenique on February 7 (local time; on February 6), Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, issued a letter of condolence to H. E. Mr. Gabriel Boric Font, President of the Republic of Chile.

In the letter, Prime Minister KISHIDA expressed his condolences to the bereaved family of former President Piñera and to the Government and people of the Republic of Chile on the news of his death. Prime Minister KISHIDA paid tribute to great contribution made by the former president to the development of the longstanding friendly relationship between Japan and Chile, including support for Japan's earthquake recovery efforts, recalling his visit to Minamisanriku-cho, Miyagi Prefecture, an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, in March 2012.

On February 9 (local time; on February 8), Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, issued a letter of condolence to H. E. Mr. Alberto Leo van Klaveren Stork, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile.

In the letter, Minister KAMIKAWA expressed her heartfelt condolences to former President Piñera on the news of his death and expressed her respect for the former president's efforts such as improvement of education and pension systems, while focusing on economic policies to promote economic growth in Chile, as well as his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Chile, including support for earthquake reconstruction. Minister KAMIKAWA also expressed her sincere condolences to his bereaved family.