Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura on the Cyclone Disaster in Bangladesh

November 19, 2007

I am deeply sorry to hear of the great loss of life and property in Bangladesh due to the cyclone that hit the country from the night of November 15th to the morning of the 16th. I have sent a message of sympathy to Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Caretaker Adviser for Foreign Affairs (Foreign Minister) of Bangladesh, through the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka.
In light of the traditionally friendly relations with Bangladesh, the Government of Japan has decided to provide emergency assistance in kind worth 35 million yen, including tents, blankets and water purifiers. The first batch of emergency assistance in kind will arrive in Dhaka tomorrow, November 20. Japan will consider additional assistance swiftly, once flesh appeals are made by international organizations.
I strongly wish for a speedy and early recovery.

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