The Japanese government has decided to extend the deployment of Self-Defense Force personnel to the UN peacekeeping operation in South Sudan for another year.
The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Friday to extend the term of the deployment, which was set to expire at the end of the month.
Japan has been sending SDF members to the mission headquarters in South Sudan to work on security and infrastructure development since the country became independent in 2011 after a long civil war.
In April, Japan also dispatched senior officers to the African nation for creating training programs for personnel sent from other countries.
Defense Minister Kihara Minoru told reporters that it is important for Japan to continue to send personnel to help peace efforts by the United Nations. He added that Japan will contribute to peace and stability in South Sudan.