COURTESY CALL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) welcomes Japan’s National Security Adviser Akiba Takeo during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Thursday (Dec. 19, 2024). Marcos expressed optimism about strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and Japan in defense, security, and economic collaboration. (PCO photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed optimism about strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and Japan in areas of defense, security, and economic collaboration, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Friday.

According to a PCO news release, Marcos made the remark during a courtesy call by Japan’s National Security Adviser Akiba Takeo at Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

“I’m very optimistic of the continuing strengthening of our partnership, not only in terms of defense and security but even in the economic (area),” Marcos said.

The President underscored the robust ties between the two nations, which, he said, bolster their ability to address regional and global challenges.

“It helped to strengthen our position when it comes to confronting all of these different issues that we are all facing,” he said.

Marcos further highlighted the ongoing cooperation in defense security, focusing on interoperability, as well as exercises in strengthening the position of both nations in the South China Sea.

He also lauded the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) by the Philippine Senate on Dec. 16.

“I’m also very happy to be able to note that the Reciprocal Access Agreement has already been ratified by our Senate. And as soon as we are all ready, we can operationalize the agreement that we have come through between Japan and the Philippines,” Marcos said.

The RAA, signed in July, aims to enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Japan Self-Defense Forces.

The agreement marks Japan’s first defense pact in Asia.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, through a message delivered by Akiba, expressed elation over the progress in Japan-Philippines cooperation.

The Prime Minister cited key milestones, including the Japan-Philippines-US Summit Meeting in April, the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting in July, and the Senate’s recent approval of the RAA.

Ishiba said Japan, the Philippines, and the US are natural partners, being maritime nations connected by the Pacific Ocean.

The Prime Minister emphasized shared commitments to the rule of law, maritime security, economic security, and enhanced connectivity to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (PNA)