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

Marcos said he also 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, at 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 and confidence in the Philippine leader 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. He reiterated his country's invitation to Marcos for a state visit.

Malacañang has yet to disclose whether or not the President accepted the invitation.

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