Japan, PNG enjoy goodwill, mutual assistance

THE Education Department held an appreciation ceremony for the exchange of goodwill and mutual assistance between PNG and Japan in Port Moresby last Monday.
The ceremony acknowledged Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School in Japan for the donation of items to schools in PNG as a token of appreciation for PNG’s assistance after the “Great East Japan Earthquake”.
Education acting secretary Godfrey Yerua said the event was a small but significant one which recognised the long relationship with Japan since World War II. He said the two countries shared common culture in which family ties and friendships were recognised.
“Let’s work together and maintain this long-lasting relationship and work towards developing this country.” Yerua said.
Japanese Ambassador Morio Matsumoto commended PNG for the support in the disaster and said Japan would continue to give priority to education.
“I understand that the media centre of the Department of Education played a crucial role in raising funds for Japanese victims in close relation with Japan-PNG Association and PNG high schools,” he said.
“On this note, I have learnt also the Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School donated school furniture to schools in PNG and will have a sister school arrangement with Sogeri National High School.”
Matsumoto said the government of Japan gave priority to assistance and exchange programmes for young people. “I am sure the sister school arrangement will help Japanese and PNG students to have a stronger bond and learn from each other.” he said.
Soegri and Port Moresby national high schools, Wardstrip Primary School and Julilee Secondary School benefited from the donation of the desks, chairs and lockers in 2011.