Dear friends in Japan,
Tragedy has struck Japan. The strongest earthquake in memory, a terrible tsunami bringing so many deaths, devasting so much and with so many loved-ones still missing. As if all this was not tragedy enough, the people of Japan are facing the serious additional certainties following explosions at nuclear plants in Fukushima.
People everywhere are deeply mourning with you and want to help in any way they can. Images from television have brought the catastrophe home to the far corners of the world. The tasks ahead that Japan is facing are enormous. Our admiration of the spirit of the people of Japan is strong.
When disaster struck, Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, immediately wrote to Prime Minister Kan asking him to convey his deepest condolences to the bereaved and others affected by the catastrophe and confirmed that the Government of Norway is ready to assist in any way we can.
Prime Minister Stoltenberg was looking greatly forward to his official visit to Japan at the invitation of Prime Minister Kan 15-18 March that was under final preparation. Relations between Norway and Japan are very close and the Prime Minister’s visit would have strengthened our co-operation even further. He was to be accompanied by a large and high-powered business delegation. When the earthquake and tsunami struck on 11 March, it was clear that the visit would regretfully have to be postponed. We wish to thank the Government of Japan and all the individuals for their assistance in preparing the visit.
The thoughts of all Norwegians, and especially those of us who have the privilege of working at the Norway’s Embassy in Japan, are with you. We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have struck Japan. While expressing our deep-felt sympathy, we know that people of Japan have it in their character to cope with this tragedy better than any other nation in the world.
Let me on behalf of the Embassy as well as the government and people of Norway wish Japan and the brave Japanese people a swift recovery from the terrible catastrophe that has struck you.
“Gambatte kudesai”
Yours very respectfully
Arne Walther
Ambassador