Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has expressed sympathy at the tragic loss and widespread devastation in Japan caused by the massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that hit the north-east of the country of Friday.

The Vice President expressed his sympathy to Japanese people and the government, meeting Akira Shimura, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and volunteers of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) working in the Maldives during his visit to JICA/JOCV office in Male’ today.

Speaking at the meeting, Vice President Dr Waheed noted the close and friendly relations between the Maldives and Japan, and the continuous assistance and support of Japanese people to the Maldives, especially in the aftermath of 2004 tsunami.

The Vice President expressed sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies of the people and the government of the Maldives to the people and the government of Japan, and those who are affected by the tragedy. He said the Maldivian people and the government were with the people of Japan in this time of national tragedy.

Dr Waheed also thanked JICA and JOCV for their continued assistance and engagement with Maldivians, and assured that the government and the people of the Maldives were with Japanese people in the Maldives.

The earthquake and resulting tsunami that hit Japan has claimed hundreds of lives, while over 200,000 people were displaced.