The agreement was announced after a meeting between the two leaders at the Malacañan Palace (seat of the Philippine government) on Friday.

The Reciprocal Access Agreement is a legal framework considered to strengthen collaboration and facilitate exercises between the Philippines Armed Forces and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

Marcos recalled Manila and Tokyo’s commitment to work on the aforementioned agreement, which would serve as a framework for the status of visiting forces of the two nations.

Kishida, who is in Manila to complete a two-day official visit, said that Japan would also help enhance the Philippines’ maritime law enforcement capabilities.

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