TOKYO, April 9 (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other officials on Monday, the first working day of a visit aimed at securing Tokyo's continued support for reconstruction. Japan has been one of the staunchest backers of the U.S.-led war in Iraq and efforts to rebuild the country, sending some 600 ground troops on a humanitarian and rebuilding mission and providing financial aid and debt relief. Abe was expected to urge Maliki to make efforts towards national reconciliation and stabilising the security situation in in Iraq, racked by sectarian violence. Iraq, which sits on the world's third-largest proven crude oil reserves, is struggling to rebuild its shattered economy after four years of war following the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Japan depends on the Middle East for nearly all its crude oil. Japan has already pledged to provide more than $1.5 billion in grant aid and up to $3.5 billion in yen loans. Of the loans, Tokyo has allocated $1.6 billion to eight projects. Kyodo news agency said the two countries were set to sign a contract for Japan to extend 102.8 billion yen ($861 million) as part of the total loan aid during Maliki's visit. Abe also plans to tell Maliki that Tokyo is ready to provide Iraq with another 57.7 billion yen in loans, also part of the overall pledge, to help finance the restoration of water and sewage, power supply and other facilities, Kyodo said. Japan withdrew its troops from Iraq last year, but about 200 air force personnel have remained in Kuwait, from where they airlift supplies to the U.S. military in Iraq. Japan's cabinet last month approved the extension of a law enabling the air force mission for another two years after the current legislation expires in July. The extension is expected to pass in parliament given the ruling coalition's solid majority. Maliki arrived in Tokyo late on Sunday, ending a marathon flight after Iran refused to allow his plane to cross its air space the previous night. Iraq's U.S.-backed government has often had to tread a delicate path in trying to maintain good relations with both Iran, its neighbour to the east, and the United States. ($1=119.34 Yen)
