Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed optimism that the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with the Philippines will be ratified by the Japanese parliament before its session concludes in June.
During a press briefing following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s two-day official visit, MOFA spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura highlighted the importance of the agreement in enhancing bilateral security cooperation.
“We have submitted that agreement to the Diet. We expect that the Diet will start discussions on that agreement very soon,” he said.
Once ratified, the RAA would enable joint military operations, including exercises between Japan and the Philippines.
In a summit on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed their commitment to deepening security ties to bolster regional stability.
The leaders also announced plans to negotiate an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and explore a potential security information-sharing deal.
Kitamura explained that the ACSA would simplify logistical support, such as refueling for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during joint drills with the Philippine Navy.
“Since there is no legal framework, it is quite complicated to have the refueling from the Philippine side. Under ACSA, it is quite easy to refuel or acquire some piece of equipment in case of accident,” he said.
However, he emphasized that the agreement is purely technical and does not authorize operations.
Regarding the potential intelligence-sharing pact, Kitamura acknowledged its potential benefits but clarified that no decision has been made.
“To be honest, we have not decided yet whether we’ll conclude such agreement but since the joint activities between the two countries have been increasing, we believe that that information agreement will be useful to further promote such cooperation,” he said.
Beyond these agreements, both leaders pledged to strengthen maritime security through base development, capacity-building support, and joint training initiatives involving Japan, the Philippines, and the United States.
Ishiba’s visit to the Philippines from April 29 to 30 also served as a precursor to the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between Manila and Tokyo.
