RIYADH: On behalf of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the special adviser to Defense Minister Prince Salman, Prince Naif bin Salman yesterday opened the 10-day Japanese gallery titled “Reconstruction after the earthquake that struck Japan: photographs.” The gallery was organized by the Embassy of Japan in cooperation with King Abdulaziz Foundation at King Abdul Aziz Memorial Hall at Darah of King Abdul Aziz Historical Center.
The gallery comprises more than 40 documentary photos of the earthquake that hit Japan on March, 11, 2011. Prince Naif toured the components of the show and listened in the presence of King Abdulaziz Foundation Secretary-General Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Samari to explanations from Japanese Ambassador Shigeru Endo about the indications and goals of the exhibition.
The prince also listened to explanations about some of the methods used by the Japanese government for the advancement of the country from the physical and moral crisis and their cooperation with other countries of the world, including Saudi Arabia. Emphasis was placed on the progress made by the Japanese in the reconstruction of their country after the damage of the disaster.
The opening of the exhibition was attended by a delegation from the city of Minamisanriku, which was badly damaged by the tsunami-earthquake. The exhibition includes a set of images taken by the inhabitants of this city.
Ambassador Endo said the depth of the historical relationship between his country and the Kingdom extended to more than 57 years. A lot of data and development achievements had resulted in the increase of trade exchange and joint projects between the two ambitious countries.
Endo appreciated the great role of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to overcome his country’s catastrophe, which killed more than 15,000 people and left more than 3,000 people homeless.
He told Arab News: “The role of the Kingdom and its support to our country in the form of oil and gas aid have contributed to overcome this harsh adversity.
The exhibition aims to deliver a message of great significance: Despite the geographical distance between our two countries, the Kingdom was able to bridge this gap through sympathy, support and encouragement from the people and the government.”
The ambassador thanked King Abdulaziz Foundation for its initiative to organize the exhibition, noting that Japan is on the path of life getting to normal in most areas, and he hoped that the Saudi people feel safe to visit Japan for tourism, business and study.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Endo expressed his thanks and appreciation to Prince Naif bin Salman for his generous support to the exhibition.
