Senate ratifies PH-Japan reciprocal access agreement to deepen security and defense cooperation
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 1248, which confirms the ratification of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement.
The measure, authored by Sen. Imee Marcos, is expected to strengthen the cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan.
The agreement, which was signed on July 8 in Manila, outlines the provisions on entry and departure, movement, access to facilities, and professional practice of the visiting force and civilian component for cooperative activities, as well as the rules governing the jurisdiction over the actions of the Visiting Force and Civilian Component.
According to the resolution, the agreement aims to deepen the security and defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan and enhance the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan by enabling more in-depth practical military cooperation and exercises between the two countries.
The agreement will expand the defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan in the maritime domain in the face of shared security challenges.
Read: Philippines, Japan strengthen ties as key defense agreement signed
Ratifying the agreement further affirms the strategic partnership between the two countries and their mutual goal to enhance contribution to regional and international peace, security and stability, the Senate said in a statement.
President Marcos ratified the agreement on November 5 and submitted it to the Senate for concurrence.
Sen Juan Miguel Zubiri, in his manifestation during the plenary session, said that he expected the RAA to deepen ties between the Philippines and Japan in order to ensure peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sen. Joel Villanueva concurred with Zubiri, saying the agreement with Japan “further solidifies our commitment to promote regional and global peace and stability, and deepens our security and defense relationship.”
“It will be remembered in history as one of the highlights of our diplomatic partnership, which now spans almost seven decades. Today, as we give our concurrence to this agreement, we join the Japanese people in their desire to build a ‘heart-to-heart relationship of trust,’ as Prime Minister Kishida best puts it, as equal partners and friends,” Villanueva said in his speech.
“We thank the Japanese government and the Japanese people for their reliable and enduring friendship,” he added.
