Japan to end air support mission in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Japanese Air Self-Defense Force operations in Iraq will meet their objectives and conclude at the end of the year, the Japanese government said.

The aviation branch of Japan's self-defense forces has operated in support of the United Nations and U.S.-led coalition forces by providing various transport missions.

The Japanese government said in a statement that it has carried out 810 flights carrying 46,000 passengers and roughly 670 tons of materials in support of the Iraq mission.

Japan said its operation in Iraq had worked toward reconstruction goals, which it says have made "steady" progress toward autonomous development.

Tokyo pledged continued assistance to Iraq through yen-backed projects beyond the end of the year.

"It is time that the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iraq be stepped up to focus on enhanced political dialogues as well as on the promotion of business and economic relationships," the statement said.

The statement concluded by thanking the people of Iraq and the central government in Baghdad, along with the United Nations and U.S.-led multinational forces.