Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Japan further strengthened their security partnership on Thursday, Jan. 15, with the signing of a key logistics agreement aimed at facilitating more joint military exercises and deeper defense cooperation.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresan Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) during the latter’s official visit to Manila.
The ACSA establishes a legal framework that allows the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan Self-Defense Forces to provide logistical support to each other, including fuel, transportation, and supplies, particularly during joint military exercises, humanitarian missions, and emergency responses.
Officials said the agreement complements the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which eases the entry and movement of troops between the two countries.
“Today’s signing reflects the close and evolving collaboration between the Philippines and Japan under our Strengthened Strategic Partnership,” Lazaro said in her remarks, noting that the deal enhances military interoperability and readiness between the two forces.
During their bilateral meeting, Lazaro and Motegi reviewed developments across a wide range of cooperation areas, including defense and security, trade and investment, infrastructure development through official development assistance, agriculture, supply chain protection, semiconductors, and the Luzon Economic Corridor.
They also discussed Japan’s continued support for development initiatives in Mindanao.
In addition to the ACSA, the two sides signed an exchange of notes for Japan’s Official Security Assistance for fiscal year 2025, amounting to ¥900 million (about ₱337 million), to support the modernization of Philippine defense capabilities. Another exchange of notes covered a ¥1.63-billion (about ₱617 million) grant for the establishment of wireless broadband connectivity in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Motegi said the agreements marked a significant milestone at the beginning of the year celebrating the 70th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines. He underscored the importance of strengthening security cooperation amid what he described as an increasingly complex regional environment.
“The Philippines is a strategic partner of Japan, connected by the sea,” Motegi said, adding that enhanced security cooperation would contribute to peace and stability in the region.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, particularly in the South China Sea.
They reiterated support for trilateral cooperation among the Philippines, Japan, and the United States, including continued dialogue on maritime security.
