MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he looks forward to forging a stronger collaboration with Japan in various areas of mutual interest as he received a Japanese official in a courtesy call in Malacañang on Thursday.

Marcos said he wants to work with the Japanese government on climate change, maritime security, the West Philippines Sea, agriculture and food security, as well as infrastructure development.

The chief executive made the remark during the courtesy call of Dr. Mori Masafumi, the Special Advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

“Japan is and will remain a solid and steadfast partner of the Philippines. I look forward to work closely with Prime Minister Kishida in building an even stronger strategic partnership with your country,” the President told Masafumi.

Echoing Prime Minister Kishida’s message, Masafumi reiterated Japan’s strong commitment and confidence in President Marcos and his administration as Japan and the Philippines continue their mutual high-level engagements and bilateral platforms in pursuit of enhanced strategic partnership.

Masafumi said his country looks forward to continuing its tie-up with the Philippine government in various areas of cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development.

The Special Advisor also reiterated his country’s invitation to President Marcos for a state visit.

Masafumi is in the country to attend the 13th High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation. (PND)