By Joyce Ann Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines and Japan have reached an agreement “in principle” on a deal that would allow mutual logistic support between their two forces, said Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on Sunday.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Japanese leader welcomed the new pact on the two nations’ growing security cooperation during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings here.
“We welcomed the fact that an agreement in principle has been reached on the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will contribute to strengthening our security cooperation,” she said.
ACSA enables the armed forces of the two countries to exchange logistical support, such as fuel, food, transportation, medical services, and spare parts, during joint exercises, training, peacekeeping missions, or humanitarian operations.
No specific details have been provided as of yet as to when ACSA would be formally signed, but its “agreement in principle” follows the ratification and entry into force of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), recently applied to augment humanitarian relief operations in earthquake-hit Cebu.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier said ACSA would help, among others, with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s refueling needs when participating in joint drills with the Philippine Navy.
Sustained cooperation
The newly elected Japenese leader affirmed her desire to continue bolstering relations with the Philippines, as a strategic partner, to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.
This is the first meeting between Marcos and Takaichi since she took office as Japan’s first female prime minister.
During their meeting, Marcos personally extended his congratulations to the new head of state and looked forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026.
The two leaders also underscored the importance of the Philippines–United States-Japan Trilateral Cooperation as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and development.
“Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and the Philippines will serve as the ASEAN Chair. We will continue to work together as strategic partners toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” Takaichi said.
Her office said both the leaders concurred on continuing close coordination in addressing various international challenges, including the “situation in the South China Sea, responses to North Korea encompassing nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue, the situations in Myanmar, and the situations in the Cambodia-Thailand border areas.”
On the economic front, Takaichi conveyed Japan’s intention to advance civil nuclear cooperation with the Philippines. (PNA)
