MANILA, April 29 -- The Philippines and Japan are now in the "golden age" of their relations as they marked the 10th year of their strengthened strategic partnership, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

During his bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at Malacanan Palace in Manila, Marcos said he is optimistic they would have "productive" discussions on economic cooperation and development, strong people-to-people ties, and defense and security relationships.

"Your timely visit highlights the stability, harmony, mutual respect and immense benefit that we bring to each other, signs that we are indeed in the golden age of our relations," Marcos told Ishiba.

"I hope our discussion today will further ...