MANILA — In a significant move to bolster security ties, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan have agreed to initiate negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed RAA is envisioned to enhance military collaboration and facilitate joint exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the intent to deepen trilateral cooperation with the United States and highlighted the agreement as a step towards maintaining regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
President Marcos echoed Tokyo's commitment to this partnership and pointed out the potential benefits of such agreements for defense forces and regional peace. The leaders expressed their collective stance against any actions that could challenge the current international order, specifically opposing force or coercion to change internationally recognized borders.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) further reported that discussions between Kishida and Marcos covered the South China Sea and East China Sea's critical developments, reinforcing their shared concerns over any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force.
On maritime security, Prime Minister Kishida, during his two-day visit from November 3 to 4, assured Japan's assistance in enhancing the Philippines' maritime law enforcement capabilities. This commitment is partly realized through a JPY600 million Official Security Assistance for the Philippines to procure a coastal radar system, increasing the Philippine Navy's maritime domain awareness.
The dialogues also encompassed pressing international security concerns, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Aside from defense, the leaders discussed advancing political, economic, and cultural ties. President Marcos highlighted the visit as a milestone in the strategic partnership and expressed gratitude for Japan's support towards the Philippines' goal to reach Upper Middle Income Country status by 2025. This objective aligns with significant infrastructure projects such as the Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway and North-South Commuter Railway developments.
Concluding their discussions, Marcos and Kishida presented three additional agreements aimed at improving infrastructure, tourism, and mining sectors, signifying an expansive bilateral collaboration. They anticipate furthering these relations at the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Summit in Tokyo this December.