The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed by the Philippines and Japan will further propel the two countries’ defense partnership once it takes effect, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said.

In a statement Saturday, April 12, the DND said Teodoro met Lt. Gen. Matsunaga Koji, vice chief of staff of Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF), earlier this week, where they both expressed optimism that the overall defense cooperation between the two countries “will continue to prosper in the coming years.”

Teodoro noted that the entry into force of the RAA “will significantly improve the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and JSDF's interoperability and joint capacities in addressing common security challenges.”

The RAA is an agreement that allows the Philippines and Japan to send military forces and equipment to each other’s territory for joint exercises, and defines the legal status of the visiting force.

It was signed by Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko during the latter’s courtesy call with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 8, 2024.

The Senate ratified RAA on Dec. 16, 2024 while its Japanese counterpart, the National Diet, is expected to approve its confirmation this year.

The two parties noted the positive momentum of Manila and Tokyo’s strategic partnership, particularly in the area of defense and security.

Matsunaga reaffirmed Japan's commitment to expeditiously work on the attainment of agreed action items during the defense ministerial meeting between Teodoro and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen last Feb. 24.

These include pursuing frameworks of cooperation to further enhance military-to-military cooperation; enhancing the AFP's maritime and air domain awareness capabilities; and identifying activities/engagements to promote and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Stronger defense ties with Greece, Egypt

Meanwhile, the DND said it eyes to deepen bilateral defense cooperation with Greece and Egypt in pursuit of regional stability and global security. 

The DND received His Excellency Ioannis Pediotis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic of Greece to the Philippines, on Friday, April 11, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

“The meeting reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening defense relations with Greece,” DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said.

According to Andolong, both sides discussed the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, which seeks to bolster collaboration in key areas such as logistics, training, and information exchange.

Teodoro also welcomed His Excellency Nader Nabil Zaki Morcos, the newly appointed Ambassador of Egypt to the Philippines, to discuss a possible defense partnership between the Philippines and Egypt. 

“The two officials exchanged views on the security developments in the region, and discussed the possible collaborative activities between the two countries,” Andolong shared.