President Mohamed Nasheed, yesterday officially handed over the proceeds from “Japanai Eku Dhivehin” – Maldivians with Japan – aid events to help the victims of the massive earthquake and consequent tsunami that hit Japan on March 11.
Japanese Ambassador Kunio Takahashi accepted the aid on behalf of the Japanese government at a function held at Traders Hotel Malé yesterday evening.
“Japanai Eku Dhivehin” was as 36 hour marathon of events organised by Malé City Council in collaboration with local television stations, media, musicians, celebrities and other artists to raise funds to help the people of Japan following the disaster.
In his remarks at the function, President Nasheed noted that Japan has continued to the Maldives’ biggest development partner since as early as early 1970s.
He said Japanese contributions for the development of the Maldives were immense and unmatched.
Further, he said, having had the experience of a disastrous tsunami in 2004, Maldivians found it easy to empathise with and give whatever help they could to Japanese people in this time of grief and mourning.
The President thanked the people of the Maldives for their generosity towards the people of Japan who have been friendly and dear to all Maldivians.
He also thanked the people of Japan for their continued good relations and support for the Maldives.
“Japanai Eku Dhivehin”, which started with the aim of collecting at least a can of tuna from each Maldivian, raised more than Rf8.5 million and collected a large number of fish cans over 36 hours.
