MANILA – Japan and the Philippines signed a key security agreement on Jan. 15 to deepen military cooperation as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Filipino counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which allows the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The agreement builds on the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that entered into force last year.
“The ACSA will promote even closer cooperation between the forces of our two countries,” Motegi said in a post on X.
The two ministers also exchanged notes on Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2025 project, which includes the construction of boathouses and slipways for Philippine Navy vessels. Coastal radar systems provided under the project arrived in the Philippines on Jan. 14. Motegi reaffirmed Japan’s support for strengthening the Philippines’ maritime security capabilities, including the possible future provision of Multi-Role Response Vessels.
Motegi said the OSA project is expected to enhance the Philippines’ surveillance and monitoring capabilities and contribute to regional peace and stability. He added that the two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in security and maritime affairs.
The ministers also discussed economic cooperation, including the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway Project, as well as disaster management, supply chain diversification and support for peace and development initiatives in Mindanao. They shared concerns over rising tensions in the East and South China seas and underscored the strategic importance of Japan-U.S.-Philippines trilateral cooperation.
“We had productive discussions on defense, maritime, trade, agriculture and infrastructure,” Lazaro said in a post on X. “I am confident that the Philippines-Japan relationship will continue to expand and broaden rapidly towards many other areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.” - Florenda Corpuz
(Photo courtesy of MOFA and DFA)
