Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani held a video teleconference with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, reaffirming defense cooperation and humanitarian assistance efforts.
Minister Nakatani expressed condolences for the victims of the September 30 earthquake off Cebu Island and offered Japan’s support. He announced that Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) aircraft, currently participating in the bilateral humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) exercise Doshin-Bayanihan5-25, will assist in transporting relief supplies to areas near the affected region, upon Manila’s request.
Secretary Teodoro expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance.
Both officials welcomed the application of the recently implemented Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), effective since September 11, to the ongoing exercise and aid delivery. They affirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the “OCEAN” initiative, aimed at enhancing maritime security and ensuring regional peace and stability.