Japan Receives Support from European Union After Devastating Tohoku Earthquake

Strategic Insights -

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan held telephone talks with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy on March 22, 2011, receiving words of heartfelt sympathy for the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake. The European Union pledged its assistance and solidarity, with President Van Rompuy assuring Prime Minister Kan that the EU would gather all its power to aid Japan. Prime Minister Kan briefed the European leader on the situation after the earthquake and tsunami, expressing his determination to overcome the crisis by addressing the damage and seeking transparency in information sharing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prime Minister Naoto Kan held telephone talks with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy on March 22, 2011, for 15 minutes.
  • President Van Rompuy extended words of sympathy for the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake on behalf of the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU).
  • The EU pledged its assistance and solidarity to Japan, with President Van Rompuy assuring Prime Minister Kan that the EU would gather all its power to aid Japan.
  • Prime Minister Kan briefed the European leader on the situation after the earthquake and tsunami, including the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants.
  • He conveyed his intention to provide information to the EU and the rest of the international community with maximum transparency.
  • Prime Minister Kan expressed his determination to overcome the crisis by addressing the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami.
  • He looked forward to meeting President Van Rompuy at the G8 Summit meeting to be held in late May.

Statistics:

  • The telephone talks between Prime Minister Kan and President Van Rompuy lasted for 15 minutes.
  • The European Union has 27 Member States.
  • The G8 Summit meeting was scheduled to take place in late May.
  • Prime Minister Kan expressed his gratitude for the words of sympathy and assistance pledges from the EU.

Sources:

  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (press release)