The top defense officials of the Philippines and Japan discussed the importance of maritime cooperation amid regional challenges during a meeting in South Korea on Tuesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of National Defense (DND) said the meeting between Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen took place on the sidelines of the recently concluded Seoul Defense Dialogue.

“The two leaders emphasized that maritime cooperation remains crucial amidst evolving regional security challenges,” the DND said.

Teodoro and Nakatani also “highlighted the importance of strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities in air and maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity, and communications,” it added.

Both officials also welcomed the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on Sept. 11.

The deal, signed in Manila on July 8, 2024, facilitates greater military cooperation between the two nations by streamlining procedures for the deployment of forces in each other’s territories for joint training and disaster response operations.

The DND said reparations are underway for the formal approval of the Implementing Arrangements of the RAA.

Also during the meeting, Teodoro and Nakatani affirmed their respective countries’ commitment to advancing bilateral defense cooperation, enhancing regional security, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. (PNA)