PH welcomes Japan’s full approval of reciprocal access agreement

Metro Manila,Philippines - The Philippine government on Thursday welcomed the full approval of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan, following its passage by Japan’s House of Councillors, the final step in the legislative process in the Japanese Diet.

The agreement, which allows military forces from both countries to be deployed on each other’s soil, is seen as a milestone in defense cooperation between Manila and Tokyo.

In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Albano said the RAA reflects the long-standing trust and deepening strategic ties between the two countries.

“The RAA is a testament to the trust and enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan. It will enhance our ability to work closely together in promoting a rules-based order governed by international law,” Albano said.

The Philippine Senate ratified the agreement on December 16, enabling joint military training, disaster response cooperation, and the streamlined movement of troops and equipment.

The RAA is the first such agreement Japan has signed in Asia, underscoring a shared concern over China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, particularly in the East and South China Seas.

Under the agreement, both countries aim to strengthen interoperability between their armed forces, enhance preparedness for humanitarian and security challenges, and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.