Brussels, 18/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - Poul Nielson, European Commissioner in charge of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, begins a working visit to Japan on Friday (19-25 January), during which he will speak of cooperation between the EU and Japan - the two largest development aid donors - in developing countries. Mr Nielson will present the new guidelines for EU development policy placing emphasis on the aims of reform in the management of external aid currently under way at the Commission (best practices in programming and provision of aid).
Poul Nielson will above all meet Foreign Minister Mr Kono, representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and representatives of NGOs and universities. He will also give a speech at the conference on "Partners in Humanitarian Crises" organised by the Commission and the United Nations.