Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine Toiti Sakata has thanked Ukraine and its people for the support, compassion, and financial aid after the accident at Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.
"After the tragedy, we received many words of compassion and significant aid from the government and citizens of Ukraine," the ambassador said at a press conference in Kyiv on March 13.
He said that funds were raised all over the world and Ukraine’s financial aid was noticeable. The diplomat also said that all of these funds were spent on the cleanup of the consequences and to restore territories damaged by the accident.
"I think that the accidents that happened in Ukraine, [at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986], and in Japan a year ago, united us. We would like to thank everyone that felt compassion and made contributions. This assistance is invaluable," he said.
Sakata said that the regions hit by radiation after the accident are returning to normal. The agency for the revival of the state created in Japan helped this process greatly, he said.
"The agency for the revival of Japan is working at its full capacity," he said.
According to the ambassador, around 300,000 Japanese people affected by the disaster are living in temporary shelters. Apart from the territory affected by radiation, the rest of Japan is safe, according to the ambassador.
Sakata said Ukraine and Japan would continue cooperation in the context of security and the liquidation of the consequences of accidents at nuclear power plants.
"Japan will participate in all processes connected with security in the world, including the liquidation of radiation… Ukraine and Japan will work together to improve the situation with cleanups of the consequences of similar accidents and we are planning to sign a relevant document next month," the ambassador said.
