The group for interparliamentary relations with Japan is urging people to participate in the ecumenical memorial service for the land and people of Japan that will take place tomorrow night in the Dome Church.

“Right now the attention of the world is riveted on the latest developments in the Japanese regions affected by the earthquake and tsunami. The world is lending a helping hand to the country devastated by the natural disaster, and each of us can also get involved and donate to victims of the disaster in Japan. Attitude and emotional support quite often are more eloquent than material aid. This memorial service is a way to show our solidarity and unity with the Japanese people in hard times,” stressed Gundars Daudze, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and member of the group for interparliamentary relations with Japan.

“Relations between Latvia and Japan have always been friendly and frank, and that shows how closely we are connected despite the distance between our countries. This is one of the most tragic moments for the state and people of Japan, and it is now our duty to give Japan the material aid and emotional support it needs so badly,” explained Edvards Smiltēns, Chairman of the group for interparliamentary relations with Japan, stressing that “one can only admire the strength, solidarity and selflessness of the Japanese people in hard times.”

Smiltēns pointed out that “in 1919 Japan was one of the first countries to recognise Latvia’s independence which had just been gained; in the history of the newly independent Latvia, it has also carried out various practical goal-oriented programs, especially in education and culture, that significantly strengthened the Latvian country and its people.”

The memorial service planned for tomorrow is going to be attended by Edvards Smiltēns, Chairman of the group for interparliamentary relations with Japan, as well as Gundars Daudze, Ojārs Kalniņš and Silva Bendrāte, who are members of this group.

The short service in the Dome Church will be led by heads and representatives of Christian denominations. During the event, it will be possible to support those who suffered from the earthquake by donating funds to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The memorial service and a concert, Veltījums Japānai (A Dedication for Japan), will take place on Saturday, 26 March, at 18:00 in the Dome Church.

Saeima's Press Service