YEREVAN. – Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Tuesday arrived in Japan for an official visit.

In the City of Sendai, Sargsyan visited the Yuriage Shrine at Hiyoriyama, paid his respects to the victims of the earthquake and the tsunami that hit Japan last year, and got familiar with the activities toward eliminating the disaster’s aftermath. Subsequently, he visited the temporary shelter community of the tsunami survivors and met with the residents at Natori Rehabilitation Center, the President’s Press Office informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.      

President Sargsyan conveyed to Sendai residents the Armenian people’s sympathy.

“We were aware of and understanding the severity of this natural disaster. You lost numerous relatives and close ones, and I bow my head before their memory,” said Serzh Sargsyan.      

He noted that the Armenian people have not forgotten Japan’s assistance and warm disposition when Armenia was undergoing great difficulties and, at the same time, surmounting the aftermath of the destructive 1988 earthquake. 

“The Japanese will come out of this ordeal in a stronger way,” added Sargsyan.  

While in Sendai, Armenia’s President also got familiar with the restoration of the city’s airport, which was devastated by the tsunami.

Serzh Sargsyan then headed to Tokyo, where he will start his meetings with Japan’s senior officials on Wednesday.