Concerned about the worsening security situation in the Indo-Pacific, France and Japan are speeding up negotiations to finalize a visiting-forces pact within the coming months that could also facilitate Self-Defense Forces¡¯ deployments to French territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Paris¡¯ top envoy to Tokyo said in an interview.
¡°We are confident that we will be able to conclude negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) quite rapidly, so we can have a new legal basis for further cooperation between our armed forces,¡± French Ambassador Philippe Setton told The Japan Times earlier this month.
¡°This will be a big step in our long-standing relationship, as we aim to deepen ties in all security areas,¡± the career diplomat said, adding that the strategic partners hope to conclude the deal by the year-end to better defend their regional interests and shared values, despite previous differences over whether Tokyo should host a NATO liaison office.
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