2018.11.3 Attendance at Commemoration Ceremony of the 7th Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Attendance at Commemoration Ceremony of the 7th Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

March 11, 2018: It was with a heavy heart that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat attended a somber memorial and tribute ceremony at the National Theatre, for the ‘Memorial Ceremony to Mark the Seventh Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake’ – the most powerful recorded earthquake in Japanese history and the subsequent tsunamis which devastated the country in 2011. 

The event was attended by all high ranking officials of the Japanese Government and Ministries, by all Ambassadors and Heads of Mission from countries with missions in Japan, and by all regions and international organizations who came to give their respects. Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino presided over the event on behalf of the Imperial Family of Japan. Openings remarks were given by H.E. Mr. Yoshihide Suga, Vice-Chairmen of the Ceremony and Chief Cabinet Secretary, after which the Japanese National Anthem was played and all of the over one-thousand guests present invoked a moment of silence at 14:46, the time when the quakes originally struck. H.E. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave his address which was followed by that of His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino.

H.E. Dr. Mohabbat attended on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, to pay respects and express condolence for the tragic disaster in which the noble country of Japan, a long time and steadfast friend to Afghanistan, suffered so greatly and in which many precious, innocent lives were lost.

Seven years ago, when the tragedies struck it was a very difficult time for the people, Government, and residents of Japan. As Afghanistan knows all too well the after effects of tragedy, they felt morally obligated and driven to stand in solidarity with Japan and offer assistance. Through the coordination of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Japan, substantial funds were raised in Afghanistan by the Afghan Government as well as by the Red Crescent Society, and the mayors of Kabul and Kandahar. Also notably, Afghan school children carried out a campaign to collect money among themselves to send to their Japanese counterparts in the affected areas and included drawings by the children of Bamiyan Province, hoping to provide further material and spiritual support.

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