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Philippine marines march between Philippine and Japanese flags prior to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's (not pictured) arrival for a wreath-laying ceremony at Jose Rizal's monument in Manila on Nov. 3, 2023. Ted Aljbe, AFP/File

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Zen Hernandez

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width:557px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/172015780524217200731352651719547448676AFP__20231103__33ZL6ZK__v1__HighRes__PhilippinesJapanDiplomacy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippine marines march between Philippine and Japanese flags prior to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida&#x27;s (not pictured) arrival for a wreath-laying ceremony at Jose Rizal&#x27;s monument in Manila on Nov. 3, 2023. <em>Ted Aljbe, AFP/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan may soon be ratified as the negotiation is &quot;now close to conclusion,&quot; said Japan Ambassador Endo Kazuya.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/4/philippines-hopes-to-sign-key-defence-pact-with-japan-1403">• Philippines hopes to sign key defense pact with Japan</a></div><p>“I&#x27;m pleased to see that our Reciprocal Access Agreement negotiation is now close to conclusion. Once concluded, the RAA will facilitate mutual visits between our forces to further promote our security cooperation,” Endo said during his speech at the 70th anniversary of the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF) held Thursday in Makati City.</p><p>A delegation of Japanese lawmakers, led by former Japan Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori,  visited the Philippines recently and expressed hopes that the RAA would be finalized during the second Philippines-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting, dubbed as “2+2” set on July 8.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/28/philippines-japan-to-hold-security-talks-next-month-1159">• Philippines, Japan to hold security talks next month</a></div><p>The RAA serves as a defense and security pact between Japan and the Philippines, which also allows for more economic cooperation. </p><p>Japan has RAAs with other countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom.</p><p>On July 8, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko and Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru will lead the Japan delegation and meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.</p><p>Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Romeo Brawner agreed that a closer cooperation between Japan and the Philippines was welcome at this critical time.</p><div><strong>JAPAN ON PH-CHINA TENSION</strong></div><p>In an interview with the media, Endo reiterated Japan’s concern on the escalation of tensions at sea between the Philippines and China.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/17/us-japan-condemn-china-s-repeated-dangerous-aggressive-actions-vs-ph-2352">• US, Japan condemn China’s ‘repeated dangerous, aggressive actions’ vs PH</a></div><p>“Japan is seriously concerned about repeated acts that obstruct freedom of navigation and increased tension in the region, including the recent dangerous behavior that resulted in danger, in damage to the Philippine vessels and to the injuries to Filipinos on board,&quot; he said.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/4/philippines-demands-p60m-compensation-from-china-over-june-17-sea-clash-1538">• Philippines demands P60M compensation from China over June 17 sea clash</a></div><p>&quot;Japan is concerned by unlawful maritime claims and steadfastly opposes the dangerous and coercive use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea,” Endo added.</p><p>While China has repeatedly slammed cooperation between the Philippines and several countries including Japan and the United States, Endo reiterated that peace in the Indo-Pacific region is all nations&#x27; business.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/4/11/ph-alliance-with-us-japan-to-bring-more-jobs-more-investments-for-filipinos-biden-635">• PH alliance with US, Japan to bring ‘more jobs, more investments’ for Filipinos: Biden</a></div><p>“Japan&#x27;s position has been very consistent on this matter. The issues surrounding the South China Sea are matters of legitimate concern of the international community that directly affect regional peace and stability. It is only natural for Japan to express serious concern if and when China&#x27;s behavior in the South China Sea is dangerous and aggressive,” Endo said.</p><p>Endo meanwhile expressed Japan’s appreciation of the Philippines’ resolves to settle disputes peacefully.</p><p>The DFA earlier reported that talks on the management of maritime disputes between the Philippines and China were making progress following the resumption of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) on July 2.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/4/ph-says-good-progress-on-talks-with-china-over-maritime-row-1652">• PH reports &#x27;good progress&#x27; on talks with China over maritime row</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO: </strong></div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7JaM7Zu17-Q?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" width="640"></iframe></div>

<p>The proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan may soon be ratified, according to Japan Ambassador Endo Kazuya.</p>

The proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan may soon be ratified, according to Japan Ambassador Endo Kazuya.

Talks on Philippines-Japan defense pact 'close to conclusion': ambassador

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Talks on Philippines-Japan defense pact 'close to conclusion': ambassador

Zen Hernandez,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 05, 2024 02:26 PM PHT

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