Philippine navy sailors (foreground) wave as Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force frigate JS Noshiro arrives at the Naval Operating base of the Philippine navy in Subic town, Zambales province north of Manila on March 26, 2025. PHOTO: AFP

MANILA – The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan will take effect in September and is expected to enhance joint training in the areas of territorial defense, disaster and humanitarian aid.

Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya on Tuesday exchanged diplomatic notes to facilitate the entry into force of the RAA on Sept. 11.

“The RAA provides a practical framework for mutually beneficial defense cooperation by facilitating mutual visits of our forces for joint training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. It strengthens the interoperability between our forces and affirms our mutual readiness to decisively respond to emerging challenges and opportunities,” Kazuya said.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called the agreement a “potent instrument” of two nations with a shared goal of protecting their territories against “unilateral attempts.”

The Philippines-Japan RAA provides a legal and administrative framework for the entry and departure of the defense forces, vessels, aircraft and equipment of a country from the territory of the other country, for training and other activities approved by both sides. THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ANN