Japan-Philippines Relations
Signing and Exchanging of Notes for Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2025 Project to the Republic of the Philippines
On January 15, in Manila, the capital of the Republic of the Philippines, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Hon. Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, signed and exchanged notes for 900 million yen for Japan’s “Official Security Assistance (OSA)” FY2025 project.
- The Philippines faces important sea lanes including the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait and plays an important role in regional security. Moreover, the Philippines is a strategic partner with which Japan is further strengthening relations towards realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
- This project, the first infrastructure project under Japan’s OSA program, constructs boathouses and slipways for RHIBs (Rigid-hulled inflatable boat) for the Philippine Navy. The project is expected to enable the Philippine Navy to efficiently manage and operate RHIBs, including those to be provided under Japan’s OSA FY2024 project, and to enhance the Philippine Navy’s maritime domain awareness and surveillance capabilities.
- This project is of great importance in promoting security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, enhancing security of important sea lanes for Japan, and contributing to maintaining and strengthening regional peace and stability.
(Reference) Official Security Assistance (OSA)
OSA is a grant aid cooperation framework which provides equipment and supplies as well as assistance for the development of infrastructures to armed forces and other related organizations of recipient countries. By enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities, OSA aims to strengthen our security cooperation with the recipient countries, to create a desirable security environment for Japan, and to contribute to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security.