Japan's Abe pledges 200 million USD to battle IS

Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday pledged about 200 million U.S. dollars to countries battling the Islamic State (IS) group, warning that the world would suffer an "immeasurable loss" if terrorism spreads in the Middle East.

Abe's remarks came after his meeting with government officials and business leaders in Cairo, the first leg of his Middle East six-nation tour that also includes Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Turkey.

"I will pledge assistance of a total of about 200 million U.S. dollars for those countries contending with IS, to help build their human capacities, infrastructure and so on," Abe said.

He added that the loss of the international community would be "immeasurable" if terrorism or weapons of mass destruction spreads in the Middle East.

The IS now controls large parts of Iraq and neighboring Syria, rousing grave international concern for the region that is also vital to Japan's energy needs.

Japan already offered 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in assistance to the Middle East two years ago, and Abe said his government would provide another 2.5 billion dollars in non-military assistance, including that in humanitarian assistance and infrastructure.

As for Egypt, Abe said Japan will provide 360 million dollars in loans for a number of infrastructure projects such as an airport and a power grid. Endit