AFP says Philippines-Japan RAA `significant step in regional stability’
File photo shows Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (left) and his Japanese counterpart, Japan Self-Defense Forces Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida during the 2nd Philippines-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Taguig City in July 2024. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has welcomed the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) by Japan’s National Diet, citing that it is a “significant step in advancing bilateral defense cooperation and regional stability.”
In a statement on Saturday, AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that the RAA lays a foundation for the joint training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations between the AFP and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, which he said would enhance interoperability and coordination in addressing traditional and emerging security challenges.
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“Aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to deepen strategic alliances with like-minded nations, the RAA reinforces our mutual dedication to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific,” Brawner said.
Brawner likewise thanked General Yoshihide Yoshida, chief of staff of the Joint Staff, “for his steadfast leadership and support in advancing the ratification of the RAA.”
“I look forward to further strengthening collaboration between our Armed Forces and the JSDF in pursuit of our common peace and security goal,” the AFP chief of staff said.
“We thank our Japanese counterparts for their continued partnership and look forward to the full implementation of the RAA,” he added.
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Brawner vowed that the AFP would remain committed to defending the national sovereignty of the Philippines while deepening its cooperation with trusted partners.
On Friday, Japan’s National Diet approved the Philippines-Japan RAA, which allows both countries to deploy military troops and equipment on each other’s territory for joint exercises.
Aside from the RAA, the Philippines also has similar visiting forces agreements with the United States, Australia and New Zealand./mr
