PH, Japan ok defense cooperation deal

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday witnessed the signing of the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which ramps up defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Marcos, joined by other key government officials from both countries, was present as the deal was formally sealed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japan's Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko in Malacañang.

The signing took place following the courtesy call of Kamikawa and Japan's Defense Minister Kihara Minoru on President Marcos — in the country for the 2nd Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2), the highest consultative mechanism to further deepen security and defense policy coordination and security cooperation between the two countries.

RECIPROCAL ACCESS Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement between Philippines and Japan on July 8, 2024. Witnessing the signing are Japan’s Defense Minister Kihara Minoru, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. PHOTO BY YUMMIE DINGDING/PPA POOL

«Your presence here increases our confidence and the importance that the Japanese government puts on these extremely important agreements that we have. And I'm very glad that we have come to this day,» Marcos told the Japanese officials.

The agreement allows more Japanese forces to take part in annual military exercises involving the Philippines and the United States, such as the «Balikatan» exercises.

Filipino forces, in turn, will be authorized to enter Japan for joint combat training.

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The joint combat training to be held in Japan aims to further enhance the two nations' defense cooperation.

Kamikawa tagged the defense pact as a «great achievement» that would help «maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.»

Kihira, on the other hand, said he expects Japan and the Philippines to make great strides in defense cooperation and exchanges.

«The signature of the reciprocal access agreement today represents the cooperative relationship that our two nations enjoy. And I welcome this