It was with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has learnt of the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, said IOC member and chairwoman of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
Khunying Patama and former senator and honorary chairman of G Steel & GJ Steel Plc Somsak Leeswadtrakul signed a condolence book for slain former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe at the Japanese embassy yesterday.
She said IOC President Thomas Bach expressed that Japan has lost a great statesman, and the IOC has lost a valiant supporter and a dear friend of the Olympic Movement.
"Only his vision, determination and dependability allowed us to take the unprecedented decision to postpone the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Without Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, these Olympic Games would never have happened, and the Olympic dream of athletes from all around the world would not have come true. He also wanted to be with us at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, to show his commitment to the Olympic Movement and the trustful partnership and friendship which developed over time, " the IOC president said in his statement.
The IOC has extended its most sincere condolences to his family, his friends and the Japanese people, Khunying Patama said.
