CONDOLENCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Germany

Rolf Mafael, Ambassador of Germany

The Sewol ferry accident last month was a great tragedy for Korea and I’m still deeply saddened by the tragic loss of so many, especially young and hopeful lives. My thoughts are with the families of those that were onboard the “Sewol” and those brave helpers at the scene of the accident. We at the German Embassy in Seoul want to join our Chancellor Angela Merkel, our President Joachim Gauck and our Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in extending our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and missing, the South Korean government and the people of Korea.

Japan

Koro Bessho, Ambassador of Japan

I would like to express my most profound sadness on the tragic sinking of the ferry Sewol. Our thoughts are with all those who are affected during this difficult time. On April 28, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, accompanied by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida, visited the memorial altar set up in the Consulate General in Tokyo to pay respects to the victims.

Switzerland

Jorg Al. Reding, Ambassador of Switzerland

Allow me to express on behalf of the government and people of Switzerland my sincere condolences for the terrible accident and the loss of so many promising lives. Our thoughts will stay with all those who are affected by this tragedy.

Spain

Luis Arias-Romero, Ambassador of Spain

Twenty-two days have passed since the tragedy of the Sewol ferry, and my profound feelings of sympathy and solidarity for the families of the victims as well as for the Korean people as a whole remain unabated. In spite of their deep sorrow, I would like to encourage them to look ahead with the spirit of endurance and constant improvement beyond adversity with which the Korean people have been able to build this great country starting from ashes and tears.

The Dominican Republic

Grecia Fiordaliza Pichardo Polanco, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic

In this moment of intense and profound grief due to the tragedy caused by the Sewol ferry disaster, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, on behalf of the Dominican people and government, wishes to convey our heartfelt message of solidarity with the Korean people and the families of the victims. No words can fully express the consternation and mourning that our mission in Seoul has experienced after this unfortunate incident, in which so many people lost their lives.

Honduras

Michel Idiaquez Baradat, Ambassador of Honduras

Under these sorrowful circumstances, on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Honduras, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and friends of the victims who perished in this maritime tragedy. Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere respect for a heroine who saved many valuable lives at the risk of her own life.

Singapore

Peter Tan Hai Chuan, Ambassador of Singapore

I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult moment. Accounts of the bravery of those who helped others escape the sinking ferry and the utmost effort of those people involved in the rescue efforts illustrates the selflessness of the Korean people. This unity in strength will help Korea tide through this difficult period.

Serbia

Branko Marjanac, Ambassador of Serbia

On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, I extend our deepest regrets and sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Sewol ferry. President Tomislav Nikolic sent heartfelt condolences to President Park Geun-hye and Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic also expressed sympathies to their Korean counterparts. This enormous tragedy in which so many people, especially young ones, lost their lives has touched the hearts and minds of the Serbian people.

Uruguay

Alba Florio Legnani, Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay

On behalf of the people, the government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, the embassy staff and on my own behalf, I want to offer our sincere condolences and expressions of solidarity with all those families affected by this terrible disaster. To all Koreans, we extend our deepest sympathies at this time of sorrow.