Statement by the Press Secretary on the Contributions by the Government of Japan to Afghanistan and Pakistan

We welcome the announcement by the Government of Japan to provide approximately $5 billion over the next five years to Afghanistan and to implement swiftly its April 2009 pledge of $1 billion for economic assistance to Pakistan.  The U.S. appreciates all that Japan has done to assist in the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan and welcomes Japan’s renewed commitment to development assistance for this international effort.  Japan is among the largest bilateral donors in foreign assistance to Pakistan and Afghanistan, reflecting Japan’s crucial leadership in the region and around the globe. As President Obama prepares to travel to Japan this week, he looks forward to renewing our strong alliance with Japan, and discussing our continued partnership on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and critical bilateral issues.