APEC Secretariat expresses deepest sympathy to Japan

The APEC Secretariat expresses its deepest condolences and solidarity to the people and government of Japan, an APEC member economy, following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck north-eastern Japan.

“Just two weeks after a tragic earthquake in New Zealand, we are shocked yet again by another earthquake, this time in Japan, and the consequent tsunami that touched several APEC member economies,” APEC Secretariat Executive Director, Ambassador Muhamad Noor, said.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragedy, in particular the families of the victims and those who have been displaced as a result of the catastrophe,” Ambassador Noor said in a letter to Japan’s APEC Senior Officials.

“May I take this opportunity to wish you and your government courage and success as you continue with the immediate rescue and recovery operations, and with the re-building efforts that will follow.”

Japan hosted APEC in 2010, and demonstrated strong leadership and determination to advance prosperity in the Asia-Pacific, including by leading development of a comprehensive, forward-looking economic growth strategy for the region.

APEC has a long-established record of enabling economies, businesses and individuals to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from threats and devastation caused by natural disasters, pandemics and terrorism.

Through capacity building activities, led by the Emergency Preparedness Working Group, APEC will continue to help its member economies rebuild and develop, including by building business and community resilience to disasters.

The Asia-Pacific region comprises 52% of the earth's surface area and experiences over 70% of the world's natural disasters.