Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� August, 2003

The 13th Meeting of the Council of Overseas Economic Cooperation-Related Ministers August 28, 2003 The 13th Meeting of the Council of Overseas Economic Cooperation-Related Ministers was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, a draft of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Charter was approved. Given the fact that more than 11 years have 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. Ensuring of the security and prosperity of Japan through the contribution to the peace and development of the international community are incorporated in the basic principles of the new ODA Charter. In addition, it newly included views such as emphasis on the "peace-building" and "human security" as priority issues. At the close of the meeting, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said, "Now that the new Charter has been adopted, we will need to comprehensively explain the views incorporated to the people. I would like to ask the related ministers for their fullest efforts to continue to implement economic cooperation while gaining the understanding and support of the people based on the new Charter."