Reciprocal access deal with Japan unlikely to be signed during Marcos trip — DFA exec

An official from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it is unlikely that the proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement between Philippines and Japan forces will be signed during President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s trip to Tokyo this week.

''None at all because it's not part of the agenda and as for the bilateral meeting, it might be but I cannot confirm whether that will be part of the agenda,'' Espiritu said when asked about the chances of RAA being signed at the sidelines of the Summit.

''An RAA will require a long time to make so I don't think it will be done in just one sitting,'' Espiritu added.

In November, Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio decided to start negotiations for the proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement between Manila and Tokyo.

Marcos during Kishida's visit to Malacañang adverted to the benefits of the deal in "maintaining peace and stability in our region."

For his part, Kishida said Japan would work with the Philippines "to strengthen cooperation in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law amid complex crises facing the international community."

The proposed reciprocal access pact will be like the Visiting Forces Agreement the Philippines has with the United States.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro has said the key security pact with Japan would boost defense cooperation amid concerns over escalating tensions in the South China Sea. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News