Japan said Wednesday it will give $3.3 million to local police where Self-Defense Forces troops are stationed in Iraq-- ahead of a possible pullout from the region by British and Australian soldiers.
Tokyo was responding to a request by Al-Muthanna Province, and the aid will be used to train police officers to collect evidence and maintain security, according to a release by the Foreign Ministry.
"Stabilizing the security situation continues to be a priority for Iraqi security authorities, and requires the rule of law and a police force that has the public's trust," the release said.
Japan has already given about $1.5 billion in grant aid to Iraq since 2003.
Some 550 Japanese soldiers are stationed in Samawah at the center of Al-Muthanna Province on a strictly noncombat, humanitarian mission to purify water and repair infrastructure.
Legislation allowing the mission is due to expire in December, and the government has not yet officially decided whether to extend it.
Media reports have said Britain and Australia are preparing to withdraw their troops from the region around Samawah, and some in Japan have questioned the SDF's ability to defend itself after the pullout.
Defense chief Yoshinori Ono said Tuesday there has been no formal decision for the British and Australians to leave southern Iraq, but that his troops could provide their own security.
In May, the Japanese troops temporarily stopped providing humanitarian assistance outside their base due to security concerns.