Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Monday stressed the need for future detailed discussion and study of official development assistance to African countries.

Koizumi's remarks on the need for a fine-tuned examination of ODA to Africa were made to Jacques Diouf, visiting Food and Agriculture Organization chief, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, government officials said.

Koizumi pointed out the "vital importance" of dealing with population growth and food shortages in Africa.

During the meeting, Diouf also cited the need for technical assistance for securing water supplies and an emphasis on agriculture and conflict prevention as measures to tackle the problem of hunger, according to the officials.

Diouf is in Japan on a three-day visit to discuss efforts to alleviate world hunger and poverty with Japanese officials.