Japan’s prime minister thanks PHL anew for help after quake

One month after the March 11 quake and tsunami in the world’s third-largest economy, Japan reaffirmed its kizuna (friendship) with the Philippines. According to the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said he recognized the “valuable assistance" of the Philippine government and the donations from Filipino groups and individuals. “I would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance from the Philippine government in the form of relief goods to the affected people… [and] the enormous amount of donations given by various individuals and organizations in the Philippines," he said. Kan made the statement one month after a magnitude-9 earthquake and a 10-meter-high tsunami devastated East Japan last March 11. The disasters have so far killed more than 13,000 people. Until now, over 14,000 people remain unaccounted for while 150,000 individuals remain in shelters as evacuees, he said. Kan also said Japan is mobilizing all resources to bring the situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant under control. Stand together with the world While this time remains an extremely difficult period for Japan, Kan said the country gives thanks for the help it received from people all over the world. “[The past month] has been an extremely arduous time for Japan. Yet, at the same time, it has been a period during which Japan has once again realized… that we stand together with the world," Kan said. According to the official, over 130 nations and regions, nearly 40 international organizations, a number of nongovernmental groups, and various people worldwide have extended their best wishes and expressed their support and solidarity through donations and other means. The assistance also brought wholehearted encouragement to the disaster victims, he said. “It is my firm conviction that through the fundamental strengths inherent to the Japanese people and the cordial cooperation of the international community, we can achieve [standing up again] without fail." Kan pointed out: “There is no doubt that Japan will recover, become vibrant again, and become an even more marvelous country. Kan said he is determined that Japan will “certainly repay, through our contributions to the international community, the cordial assistance we have received from around the world." “To that end, I will work to the best of my ability to realize reconstruction of Japan," he added. – JE, GMA News