Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday hailed relief efforts by Japanese and American troops in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan as a sign of the "special bond" between their countries.

In a joint statement marking 10 years since the disaster, they looked back on search-and-rescue operations and efforts to provide victims with supplies and transportation by the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military, as well as the response to the triple meltdown at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.

"Then, as now, our joint efforts hold a special place in the hearts and memories of both our peoples — a testament to the special bond and the unshakeable friendship that is the Japan-U.S. alliance," they said.