Press Releases

On February 27, Mr. TSUGE Yoshifumi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the "International Forum on acceptance of Foreign Nationals and their integration into Japan" co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tokyo, Japan. The overview is as follows.

1. In his opening remarks, State Minister TSUGE referred to the theme of this year's forum as "Support for Learning and Career Development of Foreign Children " and stated that with the increase in the number of foreign residents and multi-nationalization, comprehensive support for foreign children is not only important for their growth, but also meaningful from a diplomatic point of view and thereby he pays much attention to this issue. State Minister TSUGE also expressed his hope that the Forum would introduce good practices in Japan and abroad and open up lively discussion on how to support their learning and career development, leading to the realization of a society where Japanese and foreigners respect and support each other.
2. State Minister TSUGE also took this opportunity to have a brief discussion with Ms. Amy E. Pope, Director General of the IOM. Noting the outcome of the previous day's meeting between Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Minister of Japan and Ms. Pope, Director General of the IOM, the two agreed to continue cooperation between Japan and the IOM.
3. At the forum, following the opening remarks by State Minister TSUGE, a keynote speech by Ms. Pope, Director General of the IOM, and lectures by Japanese and international experts were given. Also a panel discussion was held, moderated by Mr. YAMAWAKI Keizo, Professor of Meiji University, which led to lively discussion among participants.