March 11, 2015: It was with a heavy heart that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie attended a sombre memorial and tribute in recognition of the suffering, devastation and loss of life caused by the Great Japan East Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The memorial was attended by Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, His Excellency Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and 1,200 other esteemed participants who all observed a moment of silence at 2:46 PM, the time of the quake four years ago. His Imperial Majesty The Emperor of Japan gave a speech which reflected on the great difficulties that the people in affected regions have overcome and that the lessons of the disaster should never be forgotten.
His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie lay a wreath of flowers at the ceremony on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. He feels great anguish on reflecting on the tragic events which occurred on March the 11th 2011. At the time of the earthquake, H.E. Ambassador Dr Fatimie was working in His office and shared the same fear and distress that was experienced by people across Japan. Throughout Afghanistan, people were in shock and dismay. This is because the noble people of Japan have been so incredibly benevolent to the people of Afghanistan in ensuring sustainable development in the country that when Japan suffers and feels pain, Afghans also experience pain.
Subsequently, Afghans both in Afghanistan and in Japan raised money to assist the victims of the disaster. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and other Embassy staff travelled to Ibaraki Prefecture and went to peoples’ homes to meet with families and to distribute necessities to the needy. On this fourth anniversary of the tragedy, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, on behalf of the people and Government of Afghanistan, again extends His most heartfelt commiserations to all those who have been adversely affected and reaffirms that today is not only a day of reflection, remembrance and sorrow in Japan but also in Afghanistan.
