Phnom Penh (FN), Jul. 9 — Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen on Saturday announced a one-day national mourning on 10 July for former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, moments after he was assassinated in Nara, near Kyoto.

In a special voice message for compatriots released on 3 a.m (Jul. 10) and writing on his Facebook page, premier Hun Sen cited Abe's contributions to Cambodia's peace and development and their close friendship.

The premie wrote in a condolence letter that “Abe Shinzo, who was an outstanding Japanese statesman, had been widely acknowledged and praised for his able leadership to move Japan forward and for his active contribution to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.”

“A long-time good friend of mine and Cambodia, the late prime minister Abe Shinzo had worked closely with me in enhancing the bilateral relations between Cambodia and Japan during his premiership, including the elevation of our bilateral cooperation to Strategic Partnership in 2013. Abe will be dearly missed, and his legacy will be forever remembered,” the premier underlined.

The premier advised relevant authorities to fly Cambodian flag at half-mast at all private and public institutions nationwide.
=FRESH NEWS