Prime Minister Taro Aso made the announcement on April 17, 2009 that Japan would pledge up to a billion dollars of aid after talks with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari. The two met ahead of international meetings in Tokyo on Friday that will include the United States, China, and the European Union, as well as other donors.
In return it is expected to give assurances it is committed to economic reform and to fighing a rising Islamist insurgency.
Japan meanwhile is hoping hosting the conference will help increase its international clout. The world's second biggest economy has long punched beneath its weight because its post-war pacifist constitution makes it reluctant to send troop abroad.
about time someone other than the U.S. does something to help around the world. great job
ReplyDeleteThere were about 40 donor countries that contributed.
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