Japan, Philippines reaffirm military cooperation

Japan's Self-Defense Forces vice chief of staff Lieutenant General Matsunaga Koji reaffirmed Tokyo's commitment to enhanced military cooperation with the Philippines during a meeting with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

The two defense officials acknowledged positive momentum in their strategic partnership and agreed to pursue frameworks for further enhancing military-to-military cooperation, maritime awareness, and air domain capabilities.

Teodoro expressed optimism about future defense cooperation between the two nations, noting that the Philippine Senate had already ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in December 2024.

Japan is expected to ratify the agreement soon, paving the way for increased joint capacities in addressing shared security challenges.

The RAA, signed by Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko on July 8, 2024, will significantly improve interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan's Self-Defense Forces once it takes effect.

Meanwhile, the DND is also exploring deeper bilateral defense cooperation with Greece and Egypt to promote regional stability and global security.