U.S. Ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer on Friday thanked Japan for its assistance to people affected by Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Schieffer expressed his gratitude in a meeting with Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi at the Foreign Ministry.
"I expressed to him the deep gratitude that the American people have for the generous support we have received from Japan both at the government level and individual level," Schieffer said.
The Foreign Ministry has announced it will provide $1 million in relief aid for damage caused by Katrina and emergency supplies. emergency supplies for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. through the American Red Cross.
Describing Japan's aid as a "tremendous outpouring of support," Schieffer said, "It is very touching for an American to receive that kind of support because it just epitomizes the friendship that Japan and the United States enjoy.
"Americans take comfort in knowing that friends like Japan are ready to lend a helping hand in our hour of need," Schieffer said.