Japan has pledged $7.4 billion in development aid to five Southeast Asia nations in an effort to promote cooperation with countries in the Mekong region.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced the pledge at a Japan-Mekong summit in Tokyo on Saturday, after meeting with leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam.

He said the stability and development of East Asia is not possible without the stability and development of the Mekong region.

China has also tried to gain influence in the region by pouring aid and investment into Mekong countries.

Also Saturday, Japan said it will forgive $3.7 billion of Burma's debt and resume aid as a way to support the country's democratic and economic reforms.

Burma's government was run by the military for decades. But since taking office a year ago, Burmese President Thein Sein has enacted a series of democratic reforms, including greater press freedom and the release of many political prisoners.

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