After expressing his gratitude for Japan's continued interest in the country, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he was looking forward to establishing a stronger strategic partnership with the Japanese government, saying he wants to work with them in several areas.

Marcos said this during the courtesy call of Dr. Masafumi Mori, Special Advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, in Malacañang on Thursday, November 3.

In his remarks, the President said he wants to work with the Japanese government on climate change, maritime security, the West Philippines Sea, agriculture, food security, and infrastructure development.

"Japan is and will remain a solid and steadfast partner of the Philippines," the President told Masafumi.

"I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Kishida in building an even stronger strategic partnership with your country," he added.

Echoing Kishida's message, Masafumi underscored 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 is looking 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. Marcos is set to visit Japan early next year.

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

On Thursday, Marcos expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for its continued support for the Philippines' infrastructure development, saying the country's first-ever subway system, in particular, would help improve the quality of life of Filipinos in the city.

Marcos said this during the contract signing of Contract Package 102 (CP102) – Quezon Avenue Station and Contract Package 103 (CP103) – Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo Stations of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in Malacañang.

"I thank the Government of Japan for partnering with the Philippines in pursuing this important infrastructure development project," the President said in his speech.

"We thank you for your continued support, and I hope to further advance our cooperation in other areas for the mutual benefit of our peoples," he added.

The Metro Manila Subway will be the Philippines' first underground railway system with a total length of 33 kilometers with 17 stations running from Valenzuela City to the FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City, with a line connecting to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

Funding assistance for the MMSP is from the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).