Japan pledged this week to provide $5 billion in aid to Afghanistan over the next five years to and to speed the delivery of $1 billion for economic assistance to Pakistan pledged in April.
The $5 billion will cover reconstruction programs such as support to Afghan police forces, vocational training for former Taliban soldiers, and agriculture and rural development.
“Japan is among the largest donors in foreign assistance to Pakistan and Afghanistan, reflecting Japan’s crucial leadership in the region and around the globe,” the White House said in a statement.
President Obama traveled to Japan this week to renew relations and discuss the continued partnership on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The package represents a significant improvement from Japan’s previous Afghanistan pledge, which has totaled roughly $2 billion since 2001.