Philippines “Hopes” to Sign Key Defense Pact with Japan on July 8th

On July 4th, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief, General Romeo S. Brawner, stated that he hopes the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) will be signed between the Philippines and Japan. Brawner reiterated that the "RAA is important because it will allow Japanese forces and Japanese troops to come into our country to conduct training with us" and Philippine troops to train in Japan. This defense pact will also allow for larger joint military exercises between both countries.