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Japan thanks Taiwan for quake aid
AFP, TAIPEI
Members of a Japanese
non-governmental organization named NGO Earth pose for a group photograph in
Taipei 228 Peace Park yesterday. The group is in Taiwan to express their
gratitude for the help Taiwanese extended to Japan following last year¡¦s
earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Fukushima.
Photo: CNA
Japan yesterday thanked Taiwan for relief
aid donated in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami last year, taking out
front-page advertisements calling the support ¡§truly exceptional.¡¨
Japan¡¦s representative office in Taipei published the half-page ¡§thank-you¡¨ ads
on the front of major newspapers as Japan marked the one-year anniversary of a
disaster that claimed 19,000 lives.
¡§Since the earthquake last year, the aid given to Japan from all walks of
Taiwanese life has been truly exceptional,¡¨ the Interchange Association, Japan
said.
¡§Japanese people won¡¦t forget the encouragement that Taiwanese people have
delivered during the difficult moments,¡¨ it said.
The ads did not specify the amount of aid given by Taiwan, but local media
estimated the figure at about NT$6.6 billion (US$224 million).
Starting from yesterday, the -Interchange Association also planned to broadcast
a week-long commercial on Taiwan¡¦s major TV channels that would be in a similar
vein.
In one of the two televised fundraisers following the powerful quake and
tsunami, President Ma Ying-jeou (°¨^¤E) and his wife helped to raise about NT$30
million.
Taiwan maintains cordial ties with Japan, although Tokyo recognizes Beijing over
Taipei.
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