TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday that Taiwan aims to expand disaster-prevention collaboration with Japan on the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Fifteen years ago, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, causing thousands of deaths and missing persons, according to NHK. Lai commemorated the victims and reflected on lessons learned from the disaster, per CNA.

“Japanese friends will never forget that at the very first moment of the crisis, the people of Taiwan showed immense kindness, regardless of political affiliation or whether from public or private sectors, contributing money or manpower,” Lai wrote on Facebook.

Lai said adversity reveals true friendship. “During the 921 earthquake, Typhoon Morakot in 2009, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan generously donated supplies, funds, and vaccines,” he said.

He also recalled that during the 2016 Tainan earthquake, Japan dispatched an advance assessment team within 14 hours to assist relief efforts. He called such cooperation sincere and moving.

Looking ahead, Lai said he hopes that both sides will build on their experiences to expand collaboration in disaster prevention and community resilience.