Ogata becomes adviser to Genba

Sadako Ogata, a former U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, has been named an adviser on diplomatic policy, Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba said.

"She has contributed to heighten Japan's presence in the international community," Genba said at a reception in Tokyo on Tuesday. "I would like her to continue to instruct us on issues such as those related to Afghanistan and security."

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who also attended the reception, said Ogata's "longtime achievements have received high appraisals at home and abroad."

Ogata, 84, served as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees from 1991 to 2000. She headed the Japan International Cooperation Agency from 2003 to the end of March and also served as the country's special envoy to support Afghanistan.

"I was so fortunate to engage in many projects aimed at building peace," Ogata said. "I would like to continue to receive support for my job (from the Japanese government) over assistance" for developing countries.