Abe Holds Phone Talks with French, Saudi Leaders

July 11, 2018

Paris- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had telephone talks with French and Saudi leaders Tuesday on the cancellation of his trip to Europe and the Middle East.

In the conversations with French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Abe said he needs to deal with floods and mudslides caused by the recent torrential rain mainly in western Japan.

Macron expressed his condolences over the deaths of many people in the disaster, according to the French presidential office.

Macron said he fully understands the situation Japan is in while showing his congratulations over the Japonismes 2018 cultural promotion event, which will open Thursday, Japanese and French government officials said.

Abe was invited to a military parade on Saturday to mark a key development in the 1789 French Revolution. Foreign Minister Taro Kono will visit France to attend the event on behalf of Abe.

Meanwhile, the Saudi crown prince said he prays for an early recovery of the affected areas from the disaster and underscored his readiness to provide necessary assistance.

Abe agreed with both leaders that Tokyo wants to improve its relations with the two countries. Jiji Press