DFA thanks Senate for concurring with PH-Japan RAA

The Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement will contribute to maintaining a secure and peaceful Asia-Pacific region, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.

The DFA released the statement a day after the Senate concurred with the PH-Japan RAA which will cover the heightened defense cooperation between the two countries.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes the Senate’s concurrence with the ratification of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)," the DFA said in a statement.

"This action will further strengthen our strategic partnership with Japan," it added.

The DFA said the prospective implementation of the RAA would "significantly enhance the already robust security cooperation between the Philippines and Japan amidst the increasingly complex regional security environment."

"The RAA is a strategic framework for the Philippines to enhance its defense capabilities, promote regional stability, and bolster its position in the ongoing maritime disputes," the DFA said.

The DFA said the RAA was "a natural progression of the cooperation between the Philippine Armed Forces and the Japan Self-Defense Force from Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief activities, to other aspects of capability and capacity-building through the RAA." 

"As the security environment in the region is increasingly challenging, the Department of Foreign Affairs believes the RAA between the Philippines and Japan will firmly contribute towards maintaining a secure and peaceful Asia-Pacific," the DFA said. —NB, GMA Integrated News