President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed his desire to step up the country's collaboration with the Japanese government on the West Philippine Sea and other areas of mutual interest.

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

He made the remark during the courtesy call of Dr. Mori Masafumi, the Special Advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in Malacañang Palace.

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

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