Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan rushed to enact damage control regarding criticisms that its response to the oil spill in the southeast coast of Mauritius in late July has been “slow and weak.”

In a phone call between the Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and the Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Monday, the two discussed cooperation measures on cleanup efforts regarding the Japanese-owned ship that struck a coral reef and leaked over 1,000 tonnes of oil into the ocean.

Motegi stressed that the Japanese government was taking the matter very seriously and paid his respect to the Mauritian side for responding to the spill under difficult circumstances. 

Although Japan had sent several Disaster Relief teams and provided Mauritius with equipment to help control environmental damage, some local media in Japan have criticized the response for being “too slow” noting that countries such as France had launched relief operations much faster.

During the call, the foreign minister recognized that restoration efforts would involve several areas, including the environment, economy and society,  expressing an intent to swiftly advance mid- and long-term cooperation. 

He also referenced specific efforts that Japan is engaged in as per request of the Mauritian government, which include attempting to prevent a reoccurrence of the incident through navigation safety, dispatching environmental experts to help restore and monitor contaminated ecosystems and supporting fishery communities by providing equipment and promoting inshore fisheries.

Motegi also mentioned the possibility of sending a public-private business mission to expand trade and tourism between the countries, as well as the possibility of holding seminars on trade and investment.

Jugnauth expressed his appreciation towards Japan for sending disaster relief teams and equipment, as well as their assistance with COVID-19 countermeasures.

“A sense of gratitute was expressed over our offer of support on an unprecedented scale, including financial support,” Motegi told reporters.

Jugnauth said during the phone call that he did not believe Japan was responsible for the accident and mentioned the the expectation of continued support, while offering his heartfelt appreciation for the proposals of future cooperation.