Iraq thanks Japan for support

Japan's mission flies goods and personnel into Iraq for US-led forces and the United Nations.

Mr al-Maliki has told Japan's public broadcaster NHK he hopes Japan will further expand its assistance.

He was speaking ahead of his first visit to Japan from Sunday to Wednesday, where he will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito.

A Japan foreign ministry official says Japan will agree to help Iraq improve crude oil output and push for reconciliation in Iraq.

Japan last year withdrew its 600 ground troops from Iraq, but maintained the air force mission, which includes some 210 personnel based in Kuwait.