Metro Manila, Philippines – Japan and the Philippines have completed the diplomatic exchange needed to bring into force a military logistics agreement aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
In a statement, the Japanese Embassy said the two governments exchanged diplomatic notes in Manila on July 23 for the implementation of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will take effect on Aug. 22.
The agreement establishes the legal framework for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during joint activities, including procedures for settling transactions.
Japanese officials said the pact is expected to facilitate the timely exchange of logistics support and improve interoperability between the two militaries.
The agreement was signed in Manila on Jan. 15 by then-Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro.
The ACSA is the latest in a series of defense agreements between Manila and Tokyo as the two countries deepen security cooperation amid shared regional security concerns.
Japan said the agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the AFP while supporting broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
