Japan is pledging $1.5 billion to improve conditions in the Middle East. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says that the money will go to refugees escaping Syria and Iraq, as well as to projects aimed at encouraging peace throughout the Middle East.
"Each of these assistance measures is an emergency countermeasure that Japan is able to undertake," said Prime Minister Abe. "But at the same time, our unchanging principle is at all times to endeavor to return to the root of the problem and improve the situation.
He announced the commitment at the United Nations General Assembly alongside demanding rules amendments that would permit Japan to become a permanent member of the Security Council.