VIENTIANE - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday (Sept 7) announced his country would be giving anti-terrorism assistance amounting to 45 billion yen (S$596.8 million), while attending the Asean-Japan Summit in Laos.

The amount, which will be disbursed over three years, will be targeted at - but not limited to - Asean and Sri Lanka.

The aid would help Asian countries improve capacity to counter terrorism, like improving border control, training law enforcement officials, enhancing education for youth, Japanese officials told The Straits Times.

It could come in the form of loans or grants, and include use of state-of-the art Japanese technology such as biometric authentication systems or detection equipment for explosives and drugs.

Both individual countries as well as Asean as a bloc may apply for the use of these funds.