The World Food Programme said Tuesday Japan has provided it with 196.6 million dollars to be used for emergency food aid and nutritional assistance in 20 countries in Africa and Asia, dpa reported.
Tokyo's donation was one of the largest amounts ever received by WFP, which runs a global programme to assist vulnerable people with immediate need of food aid in situations like natural disasters as well as conflict.
"We are extremely grateful for this substantial supplementary aid package and Japan's continued commitment to promoting human security and peace building," said Mohamed Saleheen, WFP director in Japan. "This is proof of Japan's strong leadership in global food and nutrition security."
WFP said the fresh funds will cover logistical expenses and urgent food provisions in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and at least 17 African countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger and Uganda.