Japanese ambassador says China's relief assistance strengthens bond between two peoples

Japanese Ambassador to China Niwa Uichiro is seen during an interview in Beijing, capital of China, April 20, 2011. Uichiro said in a joint interview with the Chinese media in the Chinese capital on Wednesday that China's relief assistance to Japan after the March 11 earthquake promoted a feeling of amity between the two peoples and boosted the development of bilateral relations. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Japanese Ambassador to China Niwa Uichiro said that China's relief assistance to Japan after the March 11 earthquake promoted a feeling of amity between the two peoples and boosted the development of bilateral relations.

Citing a Chinese saying that when disaster strikes, help comes from all sides, Uichiro extended heartfelt thanks to the Chinese government and people for the disaster relief donations and assistance.

Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the Japanese embassy and mourned for the earthquake dead, which deeply impressed the Japanese people, Uichiro said in a joint interview with the Chinese media on Wednesday.

He said the Japanese people will always remember the warm encouragements and sympathy given by the Chinese leaders and people.

The assistance material provided by China has reached the Japanese people in the quake-stricken areas and they all appreciated China's help, he said.

On behalf of the Japanese government, Uichiro conveyed condolences to the eight Chinese people who died in the earthquake and expressed his sympathy to their families.

Noting both Japan and China are countries plagued by frequent natural disasters, he called on the two countries to enhance cooperation in disaster prevention and the civil use of nuclear power, so as to further advance the bilateral strategic and mutually beneficial relationships.

Uichiro said the economic losses caused by the earthquake may hit 1.6 billion to 2.5 billion Japanese yen, which is two to three times more than the losses caused by the Osaka-Kobe Earthquake in 1995 and accounts for 5 percent of the annual gross national product (GNP).
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