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| Top What's up around the Prime Minister March, 2003 |
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Council of Overseas Economic Cooperation-Related Ministers
A Council of Overseas Economic Cooperation-Related Ministers was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and "Review of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Charter" was decided upon.
Given the fact that more than a decade has passed since the current ODA Charter was adopted by Cabinet Decision in June 1992, a decision was made to conduct a review, bearing in mind the changes in the situation surrounding ODA.
At the meeting it was decided that as the basic policy of the review, "the security and prosperity of Japan" would be incorporated into the basic principles of the Charter. In addition, "peace-building (ensuring peace and nation-building)" and "human security" would be included as priorities in the application of ODA.
At the close of the meeting, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi stated, "ODA constitutes one of Japan's major foreign policy means and it is important that Japan play an appropriate role as a responsible member of the international community through effectively utilizing ODA. After conducting thorough debate among the people of Japan, I would like to make the ODA Charter one which clearly outlines Japan's international cooperation strategy both at home and for the rest of the world."
Future discussions will take place on modalities for ODA and efforts are to be made with a view to compiling a new Charter sometime around the middle of this year. |
