Año lauds swift signing of defense pact between Philippines, Japan 

Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro signs the Reciprocal Access Agreement between Philippines and Japan on July 08, 2024 in Malacanang Palace. Witnessing the signing are Japan Defence Minister Kihira Minoru, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. PHOTOS BY YUMMIE DINGDING / PPA POOL

MANILA, Philippines — The landmark visiting forces agreement between the Philippines and Japan was signed at “record” speed, according to National Security Council (NSC) chief Eduardo Año.

Año said the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on Monday (July 8) is ahead of the NSA’s initial projected timeline, which is before the end of 2024.

“We commend the dedication and handwork of both Filipino and Japanese diplomats and officials in bringing this agreement to fruition in record time,” Año said.

Año said the RAA, achieved “in less than a year of dedicated negotiations,” meant the ties of Manila and Tokyo are now at its “golden age.”

READ: Philippines, Japan sign reciprocal access agreement

But the Senate of the Philippines and its counterpart in Japan still need to ratify the RAA.

The RAA was signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko in the presence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Malacañan.

After the RAA signing, a “2+2” ministerial meeting was held in Taguig City between Teodoro, Japanese defense minister Kihara Minoru, and Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and Kamikawa.

READ: Philippines, Japan strengthen ties as key defense agreement signed

Teodoro said in his opening remarks: “This (is) another milestone in our shared endeavor to ensure a rules-based international order to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and particularly in our region.”

Kihara noted that Manila is situated in a “very strategically important region” placed in a key junction of Tokyo’s sea lanes.

“Advancing defense cooperation and exchanges with the Philippines is important for Japan,” Kihara also said during his opening remarks.