Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Shiojiri on Japan's gratitude for the international support after the March disaster
7th September 2011, at The Ambassador's Residence
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you very much for your presence this evening.
Since the disaster in Japan in March, our people have been struggling extremely hard to overcome the aftermath. I sincerely express our gratitude to our friends in Europe, and around the world, for your strong support.
These 6 months following the disaster have been extremely tough for the Japanese people, but during these months we have rediscovered the values such as ‘solidarity’, ‘thinking of others’ and the ‘never give up spirit’ which had been forgotten in recent times. This rediscovery is a beam of hope for us.
There is still a long way to go but we will never give up. We will keep moving forward and create a more resilient and more beautiful Japan. That is what we can do for the people who lost their precious lives and that will be our reply to your support.
I would like to conclude my speech by reading a piece of haiku (or short Japanese poem) of which President Van Rompuy is a master.
After Dark Night
Beam of Hope -
Shines For Everyone
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