Philippines, Japan Exchange Diplomatic Notes on Entry Into Force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya exchanged the diplomatic notes on the entry into pressure of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement
MANILA 12 August 2025 — At a ceremony held right this moment on the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya exchanged the diplomatic notes that may pave the best way for the entry into pressure of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. additionally graced the occasion.
The Agreement Between the Republic of the Philippines and Japan Concerning the Facilitation of Reciprocal Access and Cooperation Between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, in any other case generally known as the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), and generally generally known as a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), gives a authorized and administrative framework for the entry and departure of the protection forces, vessels, plane and gear of a celebration from the territory of the opposite get together, for the aim of coaching and conducting actions mutually agreed upon by the events.
The RAA was signed in Manila on 08 July 2024, on the sidelines of the Philippines-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting or 2+2. The Philippine Senate concurred within the ratification of the RAA on 16 December 2024. Meanwhile, the House of Councillors of the Japanese Diet (parliament) accepted the RAA on 6 June 2025 in step with their home procedures.
Thirty (30) days from right this moment’s change, or on 11 September 2025, the RAA shall enter into pressure.
Prior to the RAA’s inception, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) had already been collaborating in humanitarian help and catastrophe response (HADR) actions within the Philippines. Once the RAA enters into pressure, their participation can now increase to facilitate cooperative actions, corresponding to joint workout routines, which can assist enhance interoperability between the forces of the 2 international locations. END