Japan, PH agree to early conclusion of new defense pact

TOKYO, Japan—The Philippines and Japan agreed to reach an “early conclusion” of the negotiations of the proposed defense agreement between the two countries.

During the 25-minute bilateral meeting, President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida “concurred to continue coordination to reach an early conclusion of the negotiations of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).”

They also agreed to enhance cooperation between the coast guards of the two countries, a statement from the Japan Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

Although the defense pact has yet to be finalized, Marcos reaffirmed its significance for both countries.

In his opening statement at the bilateral meeting, the President stressed that the RAA will help maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

He added that it also give both sides “greater capability” in security and disaster preparedness.

“The other agreement that we consider to be extremely significant, especially with the two countries, this reciprocal access agreement that will give us a greater capability in terms of not only security, but also in terms of disaster preparedness and alleviation, adjustment,” Marcos said before Japanese officials in a meeting at the Prime Minister Office here.

“[A]nd that is something that really is very, very significant to us and will bring to us a greater capacity to maintain the peace in the South China Sea,” he stressed.

The President brought it up on the table after highlighting the official security assistance (OSA) which was among the developments during Kishida’s visit in Manila last November.

Meanwhile, Kishida also stated that Japan would steadily carry out the provision of coastal radar system through OSA and would like to further strengthen cooperation in maritime safety capacity building based on the Memorandum of Cooperation between the coast guards of the two countries.

The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and international issues, and confirmed that they would continue to work together.

After the bilateral meeting held on Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Prime Minister’s Office here, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of documents on two agreements between their respective Coast Guard and Environment ministries. — Betheena Unite

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