Courtesy Call on Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, by Ambassadors and Other Officials of Eight Countries

January 30, 2010
Japanese

Ambassadors from France, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and the United States of America, along with Chargé d’affaires from Spain, Canada, and Italy, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, for approximately forty five minutes from noon on January 30 (Sat). Ms. Chinami Nishimura, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, was also present at the meeting.
The ambassadors to Japan from the eight countries stated that the issue of child custody has become a problem affecting their country’s relationship with Japan. They also expressed the hope that Japan would conclude the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the Hague Convention) to resolve these issues.
Recognizing the seriousness of the child custody issue, Japanese side stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking utmost actions, having in mind the importance on the welfare of children put in difficult situations. It also explained the current situation of Ministry’s consideration regarding the Hague Convention and of the measures introduced to prevent the abduction of children.

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