The National Security Council (NSC) said that the Philippines is 'fully committed to operationalizing' the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the country and Japan, which was ratified by the Japanese Diet.

In a statement on Saturday, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano called the RAA as a ‘defining moment’ in Philippine-Japan relations.

This is a defining moment in Philippine-Japan defense relations : timely, strategic, and grounded in shared interests," he added.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano announced and welcomed the ratification of RAA between the Philippines and Japan Friday.

The RAA, which allows Japanese soldiers to enter the Philippines for joint drills with Filipino soldiers and vice verse, was approved by the Philippine Senate on November 2024.

Ano said the Philippines is committed to working with Japan to advance peace in the region.

“The Philippines is fully committed to operationalizing this agreement and working with Japan to advance peace, security, and resilience in our region and across the world,” Ano said.

The RAA between Philippines and Japan will enable joint military training, and humanitarian missions between the two countries.

“It gives both nations the tools to act together, credibly and effectively, at a time when the security environment in the Indo-Pacific is becoming more volatile,” he said.

Ano said that the agreement is not about expanding influence, but about defending the principles of sovereignty, stability, and the rule of law.

“It provides a clear framework for cooperation and sends an unmistakable message: The Philippines and Japan are prepared to stand together to uphold international law and a rules-based regional order.”

The RAA was signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and then Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and then Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara during Kihara's visit to the Philippines on July 8, 2024. Velle White/DMS