Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the opening of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of the Philippines this year.
It is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Zelenskyy made the announcement during his visit to the Philippines, where he met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude to the President of the Philippines for supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as important UN resolutions condemning Russian aggression.
“I am very happy to be in your country for the first time. We are thankful for your clear position on the Russian aggression against our country,” he said.
The President of Ukraine spoke about the preparations for the first Global Peace Summit and emphasized the importance of the representation of Southeast Asian countries at the event.
The Philippines agreed to participate in the Summit.
“I’m happy to hear today from you that you’ll participate in our peace steps. It’s a very strong signal,” Zelenskyy told Marcos.
The parties also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, in particular the supply of Ukrainian agricultural products to the Philippines.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Philippines have existed for 32 years. They were officially established on April 7, 1992.
According to the Bureau of Immigration of the Republic of the Philippines, as of May 2024, 95 Ukrainians live in the country.
Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine needs more mental health workers for its soldiers.
Marcos promised to help and welcomed the decision by Ukraine to open an embassy in Manila this year which would hasten efforts to deliver assistance.
“We have ourselves been trying to promote the continuing adherence to international law in our part of the world.
“The issues that you are facing are similar and in parallel to ours and, therefore, the position the Philippines takes is always to promote peace.”
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Zelenskyy Sees Similarities With Ongoing War And Philippines’ Territorial Dispute With China
Later, Zelenskyy said in an interview that he saw similarities between his country’s conflict with Russia and the Philippines’ territorial dispute with China.
“I think that there are a lot of similar things and a lot of challenging challenges. That’s why we spoke with the President. That now we need unity,” Zelenskyy stated.
“Because if Ukraine falls, if Russia will occupy us totally, this war, we will see this war in other continents,” he noted.
“And it can be in your direction, in your region. And it’s a big, it’s a big tragedy. A lot of casualties,” he added
“If we will stay strong, it means that it will give a very important signal to other countries, not to try even to think how to occupy other independent countries.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
“Thank you so much, first of all, and for having us, thank you, that you are supporting Ukraine, and support peace in Ukraine,” he said.
Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine will never forget on which side the Philippines is on now historically.
“I think you are on the side of truth, on our side, on the side of truth, on the side of peace. And that’s very important. So, in any difficulties, in any challenges for your country, I wish you know any challenges, of course, but life is life.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
“So, in any challenges, Ukraine will stay together with you,” he assured
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