A memorial event was organized in Spitak town on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of the tsunami that hit eastern Japan on March 11, 2011. During the solemn ceremony, flowers were laid at the memorials dedicated to the victims of the terrible tsunami in Japan, as well as Spitak earthquake.

The event was attended by the Director of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Kamo Tsutsulyan, the Deputy Directors, the employees of Lori Regional Rescue Department, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mr. AOKI Yutaka, the Delegate of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Georgia Office in Armenia Sakotada Kobu, the Coordinator of Armenian Programs, the Deputy Governor of Lori and high-ranking officials of the region, as well as employees of the Japanese Embassy and the residents of Spitak community. 

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Armenia, the Commander of the Spitak Fire and Rescue Squad Armen Matinyan, and the Deputy Governor of Lori made speeches. They touched upon the importance of the long-standing Armenian-Japanese cooperation, emphasizing that Japan has always stood by Armenia in disaster risk reduction and response programs, which is a vivid proof of the continuity of the long-standing friendly and close cooperation between the two countries.

In his speech, the Japanese Ambassador, expressing his condolences to the families of the tsunami victims and those affected, thanked the RA Government, the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs Rescue Service, the residents of Spitak and the Armenian people for the support provided after the earthquake, once again emphasizing the importance of the Armenian-Japanese friendly relations.

At the event, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Japanese Ambassador Aoki Yutaka presented a certificate of honor to the Head of Lori Regional Rescue Department, r/s Colonel Serob Gabrielyan, in recognition of his activities aimed at promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Armenia.