The Philippines and Japan have further strengthened their defense cooperation.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will allow allied militaries to exchange logistics, supplies, and services for joint exercises.
The ACSA also aims to enhance mutual military interoperability between the Philippines and Japan.
According to Lazaro, Japan is a “strategic partner” of the Philippines, and the relationship between the two countries will continue to be anchored on democracy, respect for the rule of law, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and development.
Meanwhile, Japan has extended its Official Security Assistance (OSA) to the Philippines for the third consecutive year, allocating JPY 900 million, or about ₱337 million, to help strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
The assistance aims to bolster the capacity of the Department of National Defense (DND) to protect Philippine territory.
