Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > February, 2005

The 17th Meeting of the Council of Overseas Economic Cooperation-Related Ministers Thursday, February 3, 2005 The 17th Meeting of the Council of Overseas Economic Cooperation-Related Ministers was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, a report was given on the assistance for damages caused by the earthquake off the coast of Sumatra Island and tsunami in the Indian Ocean, reconstruction assistance to Iraq, the New Medium-Term Policy on Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the Country Assistance Plan for Pakistan, which were approved. With regard to the tsunami caused by the earthquake off the coast of Sumatra Island, a report was given on the provision of 500 million dollars in grant aid and the largest dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief Team since its establishment. In addition, the need to assist the nation-building efforts of the Iraqi people themselves through democratic processes and the New Medium-Term Policy on ODA positioned under the ODA Charter were also approved. In closing the meeting, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said, "As for the earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Sumatra Island, Japan's efforts have been appreciated by the countries affected by this disaster for assistance in the three areas of financial resources, human resources, and knowledge and expertise. Japan must take on a central role by demonstrating leadership as a member of the Asian Community for the medium- and long-term reconstruction assistance."