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.
Photo: CNA
“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 (馬英九) 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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