Marcos vows to work with 'steadfast' partner Japan in areas of mutual interest

Acknowledging that Japan is a solid and steadfast partner of the Philippines, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday committed to working closely with it in areas of mutual interest.

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

The Marcos administration will work with the Japanese government on issues about climate change, maritime security, the West Philippines Sea, agriculture and food security, and even infrastructure development.

“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,” Marcos said.

For his part, Masafumi reiterated Japan’s strong commitment and confidence in the Marcos administration, as the two countries continue their mutual high-level engagements and bilateral platforms in the pursuit of an enhanced strategic partnership.

Masafumi said Japan looks forward to continuing its relations with the Philippine government in various areas of cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development.

The Japanese official also reiterated Japan’s invitation to Marcos for a state visit.

Masafumi is in the Philippines to attend the 13th High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA Integrated News