Message by Ambassador Okubo in commemoration of the victims of the Beirut
2022/8/4
August 4, 2022
The Beirut Port blast exactly two years ago was a very sad and difficult moment for all of us. The horrible image of the mushroom cloud reminded me of the tragedy in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which also happened in August 77 years ago.
As a Japanese citizen, whose country suffered the biggest explosions twice in human history, I will never forget the tragedy of the Beirut Blast, and feel deeply with all the Lebanese people who lost their loved ones, houses, businesses, and even their faith in the country’s future.
Japan has responded to the country’s immediate needs in various fields, immediately after the explosion. There is an urgent need to provide assistance to Lebanon, which is suffering from an economic and social situation that is becoming more serious day by day, in addition to the enormous human and property losses caused by the explosion. Japan will continue to provide restoration assistance to Lebanon in collaboration with the international community.
Although Lebanon is still in a difficult situation, I believe the country will recover and rise again. Japan is one of the countries most affected by natural disasters, but each time, it has looked forward and recovered. I am confident that Lebanon, with the wisdom and fortitude of its people, will also overcome the adversity and fly again like a phoenix. Japan will continue to stand by the people of Lebanon. You are not alone.
God bless Lebanon!
Okubo Takeshi
Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon
The Beirut Port blast exactly two years ago was a very sad and difficult moment for all of us. The horrible image of the mushroom cloud reminded me of the tragedy in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which also happened in August 77 years ago.
As a Japanese citizen, whose country suffered the biggest explosions twice in human history, I will never forget the tragedy of the Beirut Blast, and feel deeply with all the Lebanese people who lost their loved ones, houses, businesses, and even their faith in the country’s future.
Japan has responded to the country’s immediate needs in various fields, immediately after the explosion. There is an urgent need to provide assistance to Lebanon, which is suffering from an economic and social situation that is becoming more serious day by day, in addition to the enormous human and property losses caused by the explosion. Japan will continue to provide restoration assistance to Lebanon in collaboration with the international community.
Although Lebanon is still in a difficult situation, I believe the country will recover and rise again. Japan is one of the countries most affected by natural disasters, but each time, it has looked forward and recovered. I am confident that Lebanon, with the wisdom and fortitude of its people, will also overcome the adversity and fly again like a phoenix. Japan will continue to stand by the people of Lebanon. You are not alone.
God bless Lebanon!
Okubo Takeshi
Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon