Obama expresses admiration for Japan for a year of the disaster

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday expressed admiration for the resilience of Japan a year after the devastating earthquake and tsunami, as said the alliance between the two countries will remain "unwavering."

Obama said he and first lady Michelle Obama joined "all Americans to honor the memory" of the 19,000 dead or missing in Japan that left one of the strongest earthquakes in modern history.

"We continue to inspire the Japanese people, he faced the unimaginable loss with extraordinary strength. His strength and determination to rebuild stronger than before is an example for us all," Obama said in a statement.

"The friendship and alliance between our two nations is unbreakable and the people of Japan will continue to have a permanent partner of the U.S. in the future," he added.

United States cooperated quickly with relief efforts after the disaster of March 11, 2011, with the reconstruction of runways, making flights to bring supplies to affected areas and assess the affected nuclear plant in Fukushima.

Obama praised Japan, one of the largest international donors to keep their commitments on foreign assistance despite the overwhelming challenge of reconstruction.

Only on Friday, Japan pledged to give $ 26.7 million to help refugees in Afghanistan and throughout Africa.

"In this day our thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people in remembrance of the hardships they faced a year ago, let us celebrate the road to reconstruction in Japan and pay tribute to Japan's unwavering dedication to improving the lives other people around the world, "said Obama.

On the other hand, U.S. officials on Friday ordered the operators of nuclear reactors in their country reinforce procedures that are activated in case of accident. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) took until 2016 for operators to suit the new guidelines, although many claim to have already worked on improvements.

"The commission took important steps in the middle of the efforts after Fukushima," said Gregory Jaczko, chairman of the NRC in a statement.