The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan entered into force on Thursday, highlighting the “robust strategic partnership” between the two countries, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.

“The entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan carries forward our robust Strategic Partnership, validating the strength our people-to-people ties, shared values and international principles, and common purpose for the security and stability of the region,” the DND said in a statement.

The RAA 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.

“We are grateful for the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the Philippine Senate, and the Japanese Government for their unequivocal support as we lay the foundation for closer collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces,” the DND said.

It reiterated that the RAA will support its efforts to provide the much-needed leverage for the advancement of the Philippines’ national interests.

The agreement was signed in Manila on July 8, 2024, ratified by Marcos on Nov. 5, 2024 and by the Philippine Senate on Dec. 16, 2024.

The Japanese Diet approved the RAA on June 6, 2025. (PNA)