MBABANE – Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Themba Masuku has passed his condolences to former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe’s wife, Akie Abe.
The DPM was representing His Majesty King Mswati III at the late former Prime Minister’s state funeral service at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated on July 8, 2022 while campaigning ahead of parliamentary elections. He was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, holding the office from September 2006 to September 2007, and again from December 2012 to September 2020.
The DPM arrived in Japan on the September 24 for the late Prime Minister’s funeral service. He was accompanied by a small delegation, including his wife Dimpho Masuku.
The Eswatini DPM revealed that the Japanese government has ensured that they have a smooth journey and stay in Japan, by delegating a Japanese diplomat who works with Eswatini out of the Pretoria embassy to accompany them to Japan.
Masuku further commended the good diplomatic relationship between Eswatini and Japan, citing that it is based on generosity rather than quid pro quo.
“Once we finish the state funeral service procession, we will then travel to deliver a message as sent by the Monarchy,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
