PHILIPPINES AND JAPAN SIGNED THE RECIPROCAL ACCESS AGREEMENT

The Philippines and Japan just signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on Monday in the Heroes' Hall of Malacañan Palace which serve as the legal basis for both countries’ troops entering each other’s territory for joint military exercises.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara have called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

On July 8 at the Malacañang Palace, the RAA was signed between Philippines and Japan (Photo courtesy of KJ Rosales/ABS-CBN News)

The agreement was signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and  Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko that was witnessed by the key government officials President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.

The first formal RAA negotiations took place in Tokyo in November of last year. The Department of National Defense (DND) led the group, which also included delegates from the Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice.

According to earlier reports, the deal would allow more Japanese forces to participate in annual military exercises with the Philippines and the United States, such as the "Balikatan" exercises.

Before it takes effect, the newly-signed agreement must be ratified by the Philippine Senate and Japan's National Legislature.

Senate President Francis ''Chiz'' Escudero express support on the agreement saying that, “Anything that strengthens and increases our military's capability is a deterrence to a possible conflagration.''

The Reciprocal Access Agreement between Philippines and Japan will give a greater capability in terms of not only security but also in terms of disaster preparedness, alleviation, and adjustment. And is very significant and that it will bring Philippines a greater capacity to maintain the peace in the South China Sea according to Marcos Jr.

The RAA is expected to greatly boost maritime cooperation between the two countries as the proposed RAA will facilitate the procedures and set guidelines when Philippine forces visit Japan for training and joint exercises, and vice versa.

Source: Presidential Communications Office

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]