BILATERAL MEETING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shake hands after their bilateral meeting at Malacañan Palace on Friday (Nov. 3, 2023). Marcos and Kishida have decided to commence negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the two countries. (PNA Photo by Rey Baniquet)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have formally agreed to commence the negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) between the two states.
The agreement was announced after the two leaders’ bilateral meeting at Malacañan Palace on Friday.
An RAA is a legal framework seen to strengthen collaboration and facilitate exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).
“Decision was made to start negotiations on the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) and (we) agreed to further strengthen trilateral cooperation among Japan, United States and the Philippines,” Kishida said.
Marcos recalled Manila and Tokyo’s “commitment” to work on the said deal, which he said would serve as a framework for the two nations’ status of visiting forces.
“We are cognizant to the benefits of having these arrangements both to our defense and military personnel and to maintaining peace and stability in our region,” he said.
The announcement came as both leaders underscored their strong commitment to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law.
In a separate statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Kishida and Marcos discussed the developments in the South China Sea and East China Sea and “strongly opposed any attempt to jeopardize the foundation of the international order which does not accept any change of the internationally recognized borders by force or coercion”.
“We share the serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea and that attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force is unacceptable,” Kishida said.
Marcos noted that as leaders of like-minded states, he and Kishida are committed to pursuing “peaceful negotiations to resolve maritime conflicts”.
Kishida, who is in Manila for a two-day official visit from Nov. 3 to 4, affirmed that Japan would also help improve the Philippines’ maritime law enforcement capabilities.
One of the four documents signed during his trip was, in fact, a JPY600 million (approximately PHP235.5 million) Official Security Assistance (OSA) for the acquisition of a coastal radar system to help improve the Philippine Navy’s maritime domain awareness capabilities.
The two leaders also discussed international security issues, including peace in the Korean Peninsula and the ongoing Hamas-Israel war.
‘Fruitful visit’
Aside from defense and security, Marcos and Kishida discussed the two states’ political, trade and investment, development, and people-to-people ties.
“(Prime Minister Kishida’s) visit marks another important milestone in the strategic partnership between our two countries. It is a testament to the strong commitment of both countries to further strengthen our bilateral relations,” Marcos said.
“We had a very productive and insightful discussion that covered many important aspects of our bilateral relations and how we can work further together to reach our full potential,” he added.
On top of the OSA, the three agreements were also presented after the meeting:
- Exchange of Notes for the JPY957 million (approximately PHP376 million) non-project grant aid for the provision of construction equipment for road network improvement/implementation and disaster quick response operation in the Bangsamoro Region;
- Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Tourism between the Department of Tourism and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; and
- Memorandum of Cooperation on Mining Sector between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
The two leaders also agreed to facilitate the “steady implementation” of ongoing and future economic cooperation projects through the High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation.
Marcos then expressed appreciation for Japan’s “dynamic support” to the country’s efforts to attain Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC) status by 2025 in line with the administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
“The Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway Project and the development of the North-South Commuter Railway and its extension will secure a reliable safe and efficient mass transportation system for the entire country,” he said.
“Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the prime minister and his delegation for his fruitful and meaningful visit,” Marcos added.
The two leaders are expected to meet again in December 2023 as Marcos attends the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Summit in Tokyo. (PNA)
