CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) held high-level talks in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 29, 2025, to strengthen defense cooperation. Led by Major General Rommel Cordova, the AFP's Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5, and Major General Nobutaka Minamikawa, Director General J-5, Japan Joint Staff, the meeting focused on regional security collaboration.
Discussions covered the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), maritime security, information sharing, joint exercises, humanitarian assistance, strategic communication, and countering malign influence. Both leaders emphasized the strategic importance of the Philippines in regional stability and Japan’s commitment to deeper maritime security cooperation.
AFP and JSDF reaffirm their dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific, upholding international law through enhanced defense collaboration.
Photo by USINDOPACOM
