New Zealand and Japan have signed a new emergency management Memorandum of Cooperation (MoU) which aims to support how the two nations prepare for, respond to and recover from future emergency events.
The agreement is part of the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) work as an internationally recognised leader in emergency management. NEMA supports emergency management initiatives in the global arena with a specific focus on the Pacific and commitments under the United Nations and regional frameworks.
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell (pictured) said that with the growing impacts of disasters globally, it was critical that countries work together to reduce risk, strengthen preparedness, and support more resilient communities.
“New Zealand and Japan share a deep understanding of the impacts disasters can have on communities,” Minister Mitchell said.
“As we mark 15 years since both the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami and the Christchurch earthquake tragedies, we remember how our countries stood side by side. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected by the recent earthquakes and flooding in Japan. Â
“New Zealand and Japan have a long history of friendship and partnership. We face a remarkably similar risk landscape, including earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic activity, severe weather and flooding. This gives our countries a unique opportunity to learn from one another.”
The Minister said Japan is internationally recognised for its expertise in disaster risk reduction, preparedness and early warning systems.
The Memorandum of Cooperation will support the sharing of best practice and capability development to strengthen resilience in both countries to ensure we are well prepared to meet challenges that lie ahead, he said.
“The agreement reflects our shared commitment to improving resilience across the Asia-Pacific region through a more coordinated and collaborative approach. It comes at a time when New Zealand and Japan are deepening cooperation across a range of areas, as we navigate together a more uncertain and unpredictable global environment.”
NEMA also has Memorandums of Cooperation with Australia, Fiji, USA, Canada, South Korea, and Türkiye.
