Japan's Abe says to offer help to developing countries in coronavirus fall-out

• "We also would like to help to promote economic activity," Abe said in a speech via videolink to commemorate the opening of a hospital in Istanbul.

TOKYO: Japan will offer medical and financial support to developing countries, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday, in an effort to help them control the spread of the coronavirus and the economic fall-out.

"We also would like to help to promote economic activity," Abe said in a speech via videolink to commemorate the opening of a hospital in Istanbul, as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan looked on.

Abe said such aid could include emergency loans.