Japan PM pledges $1bn to Pakistan

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso has pledged up to $1bn (£670m) in aid to Pakistan, after talks with President Asif Ali Zardari in Tokyo.

Mr Aso said Pakistan's stability was important for the region and that of the international community.

Mr Zardari thanked Japan for supporting Pakistan's "fight against terrorism".

The pair were speaking on the eve of a donor conference hosted by the World Bank and Japan, which it is hoped will raise $6bn in loans and grant aid.

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