Japan Expresses Sympathy to France over Notre Dame Fire

Tokyo, April 16 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a message of sympathy to French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday over the blaze at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. "I was shocked and heartbroken to see the beloved cathedral, a symbol of Paris and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, engulfed in fire." Abe said. "All of the Japanese people stand by France for their great loss," he said. At a press conference earlier on Tuesday, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also expressed his sympathy for the French people. "It's a loss to the world, and my heart is grieving," he said. About the cathedral's restoration, Suga said, "The Japanese government will give consideration if any request for assistance is made by the French government." END