Japan envoy: RAA reflects urgency of security partnership

The swift and decisive approval of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) speaks of the urgency and strategic value the two countries attach to their security and defense cooperation, according to Japan's top diplomat in Manila.

- By PIA LEE BRAGO

The RAA will officially enter into force on Sept. 11, three months after its approval by the Japanese Diet and nine months after its ratification by the Philippine Senate.

"Japan recognizes the Philippines as an indispensable partner, strategically positioned at the heart of the Indo-Pacific and united through our shared core values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law," Ambassador Endo Kazuya said on Tuesday.

With a more challenging security environment, the RAA provides a practical framework for a mutually beneficial defense cooperation by facilitating mutual visits of forces for joint training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The RAA, Endo said, "strengthens the interoperability between our forces and affirms our mutual readiness to decisively respond to emerging challenges and opportunities."