A secure step forward for Japan-Philippines relations: Strategic overview of the RAA and OSA

Almost seven decades of friendship and dialogue have made Japan and the Philippines the firmest of partners.

- ENDO KAZUYA

Our close cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and transportation has since forged enduring bridges, with the goodwill between our people forming the warm fabric of our relations.

It is safe to say that Japan’s part in helping realize the Philippines’ potential has grown along with our countries’ vibrant friendship and mutual understanding. Lending credence to this sentiment, the National Economic and Development Authority even recorded Japan as one of the top sources of Overseas Development Aid (ODA) to the Philippines last year in its latest ODA portfolio review.

Emboldened by our increasing engagements, the “heart-to-heart relations” between our countries have certainly enjoyed a dynamic and much-welcome vigor in recent months.

Today, I have come to write about one of the products of this sterling momentum, namely: the increasing security cooperation between our two countries, which has introduced new depth in our “heart-to-heart” ties.

Adding diversity to our already extensive partnership, renewed security cooperation has emerged to tackle the challenges posed by the present climate of global affairs. This bold step in our rich collaboration highlights the growing significance of security in preserving a stable environment for our bilateral ties to flourish.

Through two vital concepts, the RAA and OSA, Japan has manifested its support for the Philippines’ initiatives toward greater security. Having mentioned them, allow me to give a brief sketch of the pivotal role these humble acronyms play in shaping our bilateral relations as strategic partners.

RAA (Reciprocal Access Agreement)