00:00In other news, the Reciprocal Access Agreement, or RAA, a defense cooperation agreement between the Philippines and Japan, will take effect starting September 11.
00:09Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Teresa Lazzaro, Defense Secretary Gilberto D'Oro Jr., and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Ando Kazuya were present at the ceremonial exchange of diplomatic notes at the DFA headquarters in Pasai City.
00:23Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Teresa Lazzaro says the RAA is an important step to further strengthen the 69 years of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan.
00:35Secretary Teodoro, for his part, said the entry of the Philippines and Japan into the agreement is a big step for the present and future generations, insofar as maintaining peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the entire world.
00:50Japanese Ambassador Ando also acknowledged the Philippines as Japan's important partner in the region.
