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Philippines, Japan hold first bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity


The Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and Japan’s JS Sazanami (DD 113) participate in the first bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between Manila and Tokyo. (Courtesy: Armed Forces of the Philippines via Japan Embassy in the Philippines)

Japan and the Philippine navies convened their first bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippines Sea.

The Philippine Navy deployed multirole guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sent the Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami (DD 113) for the activity.

According to a press release from the Japan Embassy in the Philippines, JS Sazanami’s participation in the bilateral cooperative activity demonstrates Tokyo’s unwavering commitment to realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

“Japan is committed to strengthening its partnerships with like-minded countries in upholding freedom of navigation and rule of law,” the Embassy said.

The event marks the first bilateral MCA between Japan and the Philippines, highlighting the deepening defense ties between the two nations.

This comes in the wake of the newly signed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on July 8, which provides a framework for further cooperation in defense, security, and other related issues.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo underscored the significance of the RAA as a “force for stability in the region and for greater prosperity” during a press conference following the recent 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting.

Manalo highlighted the importance of the partnership with Japan, particularly in the procurement of military assets, enhancement of patrol capabilities across vast waters, improved maritime law enforcement, and the potential for space-based cooperation.

Similarly, Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa highlighted that through the RAA, the two countries are expected to “facilitate the implementation of cooperative activities, such as joint exercises and disaster relief, and improve interoperability.”

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