Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement

The Philippines and Japan on Monday signed the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which aims to heighten defense cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing in Malacañang. 

The signing came after the courtesy call of Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Minister Kihara Minoru on Marcos. 

Here is a copy of the agreement as provided to GMA News Online by the Japanese Embassy in Manila:

The newly-signed agreement still needs the ratification of the Philippine Senate and the National Legislature of Japan before it takes effect.  —KBK, GMA Integrated News