President Lee Myung-bak paid a visit to the Japanese embassy in Seoul Friday to convey a message of condolences for the victims of last week's massive earthquake and tsunami.
Lee signed a condolence book, reading, "All of our people offer condolences for the victims. (We) are confident that Japan will quickly recover (from damage) and the Republic of Korea will be with
you as the closest neighbor."
Entering the embassy earlier, the president, dressed in a black suit and accompanied by his aides, was greeted by Ambassador.
Masatoshi Muto.
Lee told the envoy, "It is very regrettable." Muto replied, "Thank the South Korean government and people for expressing condolences and
providing help."
Lee said it was natural for South Korea to do so as a neighboring nation and reiterated that he was impressed by Japanese people's calm and orderly attitude despite the disaster that killed at least
thousands. According to the latest tally by Japanese police, more than 16,000 people were killed or left missing.