NSC: Coastal surveillance radars crucial to security

The National Security Council said the Japanese grant of coastal surveillance radars is crucial to improving to the country's security and deterrence capabilities.

"We express our deep gratitude to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the Japanese Government for their commitment to enhancing the security cooperation between our two nations," said national security adviser Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday.

"The announcement of formal negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement and the launch of a new security aid program are significant steps forward in the golden age of our bilateral relations," he added.

Año stressed that the soon-to-be-discussed reciprocal access agreement between Japan and the Philippines "will undoubtedly boost our military cooperation and contribute to regional security."

"Moreover, the commitment of Japan to provide coastal surveillance radars and support through the Official Security Assistance program is a testament to their dedication to strengthening the security and deterrence capabilities of partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

Año said the Philippines is honored to be the first beneficiary of the RAA, "which aligns with the country's efforts" to improve our maritime domain awareness capability, maintain regional stability, and protect the rules based on international order.

He added proposed RAA will facilitate the procedures and set guidelines when Philippine forces visit Japan for training and joint exercises, and vice versa.

Año likewise said the ongoing trilateral cooperation between Japan, the Philippines, and the United States is pivotal in safeguarding the freedom of the seas in the West Philippine Sea and promoting international law.

"Japan's support in the form of equipment, technology cooperation, and patrol vessels will further enhance our maritime law enforcement capabilities," he noted.

"We look forward to the negotiations and implementation of these agreements and initiatives, which will undoubtedly strengthen our partnership and contribute to a more secure and stable Indo-Pacific," he added.