Tokyo Governor cancels Middle East visit, mourns Sheikh Khalifa

Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike has cancelled her trip to the Middle East, which was due to start today, following the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday.

Koike, an Arabic speaker who was formerly the Chair of the Japan-UAE Parliamentary Friendship League in Japan, shared condolences on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo, expressing her sadness and sympathy for the people of the UAE.

“We shall always remember Sheikh Khalifa’s distinguished accomplishments in furthering friendship and goodwill between Japan and the UAE,” Koike said in a statement.