Japan, New Zealand, Australia mourn Queen Elizabeth’s death
Tokyo/Sydney, Sep 9 (EFE).- Japan, Australia and New Zealand extended their condolences Friday for the death of Queen Elizabeth, and said they praised her contributions to the United Kingdom during her long reign.
“Elizabeth II’s death is a great loss not only for the people of the United Kingdom, but also for the international community, as she guided her country through turbulent times” and played “an extremely important role for global peace and prosperity during her 70-year term,” Japan’s Fumio Kishida told reporters.
He made the remarks on his arrival Friday at the Kantei, the residence and official office of the Japanese prime minister, hours after the announcement of the queen’s death. The Japanese flag over the government complex flew at half-mast Friday to mourn her passing.
Kishida highlighted the long reign of Elizabeth II, “the longest of the British royal house”, and recalled the visit that the monarch made to Japan in 1975 with her husband, Prince Consort Philip of Edinburgh (who died in 2021), and how he “contributed a great deal to the strengthening of the relationship between Japan and the United Kingdom”.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she praised the queen’s “unwavering sense of duty” and said it was one of the many virtues that earned her the “constant” respect of people worldwide in the midst of “unprecedented global changes.”
“The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testimony to her figure, and her commitment to all of us. It was extraordinary,” she said in a statement.
Arden said the queen had been to New Zealand 10 times, traveling there not only to celebrate events such as the British Commonwealth Games in 1974 and 1990, but also to show solidarity with the country as a result of various national tragedies such as the powerful 2011 earthquake that killed 185 people.
Governor General David Hurley, representative of the British crown in Australia, spoke of the queen’s “dedication and work ethic.”
“When I reflect on my own memories … I think of Her Majesty’s dignity and compassion, her dedication and work ethic, as well as her selflessness and unwavering commitment to the people she served,” Hurley said in a statement.
The governor-general said the queen “served the nation with enormous distinction for more than 70 years”, asking the Australian people to mourn her departure and also seek “inspiration” in “the remarkable contribution” she made to the country. EFE
wat-asb/lds
