Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, recognized Japan’s contributions to the country’s defense and security efforts as the two countries move to expand their partnership under a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Teodoro met with outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya during the envoy’s farewell call at the DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, which coincided with the 70th year of the normalization of Manila and Tokyo’s diplomatic relations.

Teodoro thanked Endo for his contributions to defense cooperation during his tenure, particularly in advancing several agreements and assistance programs between Manila and Tokyo.

He said these include the implementation of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), the conclusion of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, and negotiations for a Security Information Agreement.

The two countries are also continuing equipment and technology cooperation through Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA), which provides defense-related support to partner countries.

Earlier this year, Teodoro and Endo attended the Feb. 11 handover ceremony for five coastal radars provided to the Philippines under Japan’s OSA for fiscal year 2023.

The coastal radars form part of Japan’s assistance to strengthen the Philippines’ ability to monitor its maritime domain. The equipment also reflects the broader shift in Manila-Tokyo defense ties toward more operational cooperation.

During the farewell meeting, Teodoro and Endo also discussed ways to increase cooperation between the Philippines, Japan, and other like-minded countries.

As a gesture of appreciation, Teodoro conferred the Outstanding Achievement Medal on Endo for his contributions to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan.