THE National Security Council (NSC) said the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan, which was recently ratified by the Senate, is a “cornerstone of the evolving security architecture” in the Indio-Pacific region.
In a statement on Tuesday night, NSC Assistant Director General and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the RAA is not just about enhancing the operability of the two nations.
“It is about building a deeper bond of readiness and cooperation,” he said.
The NSC is the latest security agency to welcome the ratification of the RAA last Monday. The Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces, and the Philippine Navy earlier welcomed the ratification.
The RAA, signed in July, provides the legal framework for the conduct of combat training between Filipino and Japanese troops in the Philippines and in Japan. It is similar to the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US, and the 2007 Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between Philippines and Australia.
Malaya called the RAA ratification a “groundbreaking development that bridges our nations’ commitment to a more resilient and secure Indo-Pacific region.”
“In an era of shared challenges, this agreement is more than a partnership; it is a clear statement of intent to safeguard our national interests while fostering trust between two nations who stand for regional stability and peace,” he said.
Malaya said the agreement opens opportunities for “joint training, strategic exchanges and enhanced military engagements” which he said are “crucial elements in strengthening our defense posture and increasing our preparedness in a fast-changing geopolitical landscape.”
“For the Philippines, it signals a step forward in enhancing its capabilities as a responsible stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Malaya also said the RAA will pave the way for joint undertakings which will translate to “strengthened security outcomes, better maritime awareness and enduring regional peace.”
