On March 8th, 2012, Ambassador Nishida hosted a reception to commemorate the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake one year ago and to show Japan’s deep appreciation for the support received from the international community. In addition to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s attendance, about 260 people including UN staff and Permanent Representatives of many countries attended the reception.

         After commemorating the victims of the earthquake by a moment of silence, Ambassador Nishida expressed that Japan appreciates the warm encouragement and support from the international community, and stated that Japan remains determination to continue working on an ‘open reconstruction’. Ambassador Nishida also made mention of a NATURAL DISASTERS Resolution and expressed that Japan continues to address serious challenges such as disaster prevention and to make contributions towards building a stronger society.

         Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the earthquake, some of which he expressed in Japanese. H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon described his visit to the affected areas last August, and revealed that he was truly impressed by the fact that despite the difficulties which the affected people faced, they had kept order in the middle of the terrible disaster. He stated that the UN continues to cheer for and support the strong Japanese reconstruction effort. H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon described the Japanese word, ‘Kizuna,’ meaning ‘the ties of solidarity among the world community,’ and he indicated the importance of ‘Kizuna’ between Japan and the UN, and between Japan and the international society.

         Remarks by H.E. Mr. Tsuneo Nishida

         Remarkes by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon