MANILA, Philippines – Japan and the Philippines agreed to fast-track procedures for the “early entry” intro force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said.
This was discussed during informal talks between Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Lao People’s Democratic Republic during the ASEAN-related Summit meetings.
“The two leaders confirmed that they will proceed with the procedures for the early entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed between two countries last July,” the Ministry stated.
The Philippines and Japan signed the crucial military agreement on July 8, 2024 as the two nations’ foreign and defense ministers met during the “2+2” meeting in Manila, following discussions during then Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s visit to the Philippines last year.
In a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, it stated that the RAA “will facilitate the implementation of cooperative activities, such as joint exercises and disaster relief between Japan and the Philippines and improve interoperability between the forces of the two countries.”
Through the agreement, it is expected that it “will further promote security and defense cooperation between the two countries and firmly support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” according to the statement.
During the informal talks, President Marcos, Jr. said that he is “delighted to see the strengthening of bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines, as well as the progress in Japan-U.S.-Philippines cooperation.”
Marcos further stated that “he would like to enhance cooperation with Prime Minister Ishiba,” and the Japanese government.
In response, Ishiba stated that he would like to further deepen cooperation with the Philippines “in the midst of an increasingly challenging regional security environment.”
Both leaders also exchanged views on possible cooperation in the areas of economic security and agricultural technology.
