The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has welcomed the Senate’s ratification of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which it said will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo said Tuesday, Dec. 17, that the “prospective implementation of the RAA will significantly enhance the already robust security cooperation” between Manila and Tokyo amid “the increasingly complex regional security partnership.”
“The RAA is a strategic framework for the Philippines to enhance its defense capabilities, promote regional stability, and bolster its position in the ongoing maritime disputes,” Manalo said.
The country’s top diplomat said that the agreement is a natural progression of the cooperation between the militaries of the Philippines and Japan— Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief activities to other aspects of capability and capacity-building through the RAA.
“As the security environment in the region is increasingly challenging, the Department of Foreign Affairs believes the RAA between the Philippines and Japan will firmly contribute towards maintaining a secure and peaceful Asia-Pacific,” Manalo said.
The Senate on Monday, Dec. 16, concurred the ratification of the Philippines-Japan RAA, which will expand the defense cooperation of the two countries in the maritime domain amid shared security challenges.
Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya welcomed the Senate’s move, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of the Philippine Senate.
“Our countries have long stood together as strategic partners, and this milestone reaffirms our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he said.