Key agreements to elevate PH-Japan ties to higher level

The negotiations and discussions involving the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), and the Agreement on the Security of Information will take the partnership of the Philippines and Japan to a “higher level” as both countries aim to ensure the security of the Indo-Pacific region, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said.

- By RAYMUND ANTONIO

Speaking onboard the JS ISE (DDH-182), a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessel, on Monday night, June 23, the ambassador stressed that the two countries are now in the "golden age" of their relationship. He was, however, mum on the ratification of the RAA before the Japanese Diet.

"As I mentioned, the implementation of the Japan-Philippines RAA is expected to further promote security and defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines and to further support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," he told reporters.

Endo also bared that negotiations are now underway for ACSA, while discussions for security of information are also undergoing. He said the frameworks for legal and operational foundation will further our defense partnership.