The government plans to create an ambassador post in charge of counterterrorism, apparently in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, government sources said.
The government hopes the new ambassador will help set up an antiterrorism network on a global scale by promoting cooperation with other countries to stamp out international terrorism, the sources said Sunday.
The ministry has begun the selection process for the post, they said.
The government also hopes that the ambassador will share information particularly with countries where Islamic radical guerrillas live.
With the new post, the government aims to further strengthen international cooperation over immigration control, one aspect of a seven-point response plan to the terrorist attacks announced Wednesday by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
"(The ambassador) will play important roles especially in Asia," a senior ministry official said, suggesting Japan is poised to promote ties with countries including the Philippines, home to Islamic fundamentalist groups such as Abu Sayyaf.
It is believed the al-Qaeda terrorist organization, led by Osama bin Laden, has networks in more than 60 countries and territories.
U.S. President George W. Bush named bin Laden "the prime suspect" in the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington.