At the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Tanazaki Yasuaki expressed his gratitude for the sympathy and solidarity that the Vietnamese Government and people have expressed for the Japanese Government and people.

Deputy PM Phuc said he admires the strong will, bravery and discipline of the Japanese people which have helped them overcome many difficulties and losses, saying that they will succeed with their current ongoing reconstruction.

He also thanked the Japanese government for continuing to grant official development assistance to Vietnam, and pledged that the Vietnamese Government and people will always be ready to share and cooperate with Japan in their recovery from the aftermath of the catastrophes.

According to the Japanese National Police Agency, the earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale that struck the country on March 11, 2011 has claimed 15,854 lives, and injured 6,023, while 3,276 others remain missing.