President Dr Mohamed Waheed has sent a message to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of Japan, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan on 11 March 2011.
President Waheed’s message to Prime Minister Noda reads as follows:
Quote:
On behalf of the government and the people of Maldives, I wish to express solidarity with the government and the people of Japan on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan on 11 March 2011.
The Earthquake and Tsunami shocked the world. The astonishing horror, the loss of thousands of lives, and the devastating damage to cities, and livelihood stunned us beyond comprehension. Yet, out of this tragedy arose stories of compassion and resilience. The level of resilience the Japanese people have shown during, and in the aftermath of the disaster is, uniquely Japanese.
Maldivians understand the trauma, the wounds, and the scars that natural disasters could create. The Maldives was struck by the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. In the immediate aftermath of that disaster, the Japanese people showed their compassion towards Maldivians. We appreciate the vital role that Japan played in our reconstruction programmes.
The Maldives stood by Japan in the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and we will continue to stand by the people of Japan in solidarity.
Yet, the relationship between Maldives and Japan is founded on much more than our shared compassion; much more than our cooperation on the face of devastating natural disasters. It is based on our shared commitment to democracy, human rights and rule of law.
Please accept, Your Excellency, my personal well wishes and the assurances of my highest consideration.
Unquote.