Japan’s Abe Pays Tribute to Late U.N. Chief Annan

August 20, 2018

Tokyo- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued on Sunday a message expressing his deep sorrow over the death of former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Annan "worked hard with his excellent leadership to reform the United Nations, solve development issues, and bring peace and stability to the international society," Abe said in the message, which was sent to current U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres the same day.

In particular, Abe praised Annan for realizing the Millennium Summit among world leaders, held at the U.N. headquarters in New York in September 2000, and adopting the U.N. Millennium Declaration aimed at strengthening the United Nations soon after the summit.

These are magnificent achievements in the history of the world body, he said. "Representing the government and people of Japan, I offer my heartfelt condolences" over the death of Annan, Abe said.

Annan, who served in the top U.N. post for two consecutive terms for a total of 10 years from 1997 to 2006, died on Saturday at the age of 80. He strived to overhaul the United Nations, support developing countries and fight AIDS/HIV.

Annan, a Ghanaian, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with the United Nations, in 2001 for having devoted "almost his entire working life" to the world body and being "pre-eminent in bringing new life" to the organization. Jiji Press