Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. (File photo: AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hailed on Saturday, June 7, the ratification of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) by Japan’s national legislature, the National Diet, saying it was a “significant step” in advancing bilateral military cooperation and regional stability.

“This lays a foundation for the joint training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations between the AFP and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), enhancing interoperability and coordination in addressing both traditional and emerging security challenges,” AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

The troop access pact allows Manila and Tokyo to send military forces and equipment to each other’s territory for joint exercises, like the Balikatan Exercise between the AFP and the United States Armed Forces.

Brawner said the agreement reinforces both countries’ mutual dedication to a “free, open, and rules-based” Indo-Pacific region, and aligns with the directive of President Marcos Jr. to deepen strategic alliances with “like-minded” nations.

Brawner extended thanks to his Japanese counterpart, General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff, JSDF, for supporting the ratification of the RAA. 

The National Diet ratified the agreement on June 6.

Brawner said he looks forward to further strengthening the AFP’s collaboration with the JSDF in pursuit of their common peace and security goals.

“The AFP remains committed to defending national sovereignty while deepening cooperation with trusted partners. We thank our Japanese counterparts for their continued partnership and look forward to the full implementation of the RAA,” he added.

Earlier, the Department of National Defense (DND) also welcomed the ratification of RAA.

The RAA was signed by DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and then Japanese foreign minister Kamikawa Yoko during the latter’s courtesy call with President Marcos Jr. in Malacañan Palace on July 8, 2024.

Five months later, the Senate ratified it on Dec. 16, 2024.

The agreement outlines the procedures for joint activities carried out by the Japanese and Philippine forces during official visits between the two countries. It also specifies the legal status of the visiting forces.

It is expected to facilitate the implementation of cooperative activities, such as joint exercises and disaster relief, between Manila and Tokyo, and improve the interoperability between the AFP and the JSDF.

Aside from Japan, the Philippines has an existing visiting forces agreement (VFA) with the United States and Australia.

The DND is also negotiating for a similar pact with France, Canada, and New Zealand among other countries.