BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Japan's government announced on Wednesday that it would donate $10 million to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

An agreement was signed in Amman by Commissioner-General of UNRWA Filippo Grandi and ambassador of Japan to Jordan Junichi Kosuge, a statement said.

"At a time when the government and people of Japan are still under pressure to address needs nearer to home and to recover from the devastating earthquake and tsunami, their generosity towards the Agency and Palestine refugees is particularly touching," Grandi said.

Japan’s assistance to Palestinian refugees through the UN agency has amounted to more than $600 million.