On Monday, June 3, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Philippines. The two leaders met at Malacañang Palace to discuss shared concerns and explore avenues for cooperation, marking a pivotal moment in the ties between the two countries.
In their bilateral discussions, Marcos expressed his delight at finally meeting President Zelenskyy, having missed the chance to do so at the 2024 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
"It's a pleasure to welcome you to the Philippines, President Zelenskyy. We couldn't find time in Singapore, but I'm glad we could meet here despite the difficult circumstances in Ukraine," Marcos remarked.
Philippines' Commitment to Ukraine
President Zelenskyy thanked the Philippine government for its support in Ukraine's efforts to achieve peace and uphold its territorial integrity. "We are grateful for your invitation and for the Philippines' support of Ukraine's sovereignty," Zelenskyy said. He also praised the Philippines' clear stance against the Russian occupation of Ukrainian territories and appreciated the country's support through various international resolutions.
In response, Marcos reiterated the Philippines' commitment to helping Ukraine through international platforms like the United Nations and the European Union. "We will continue to promote peace and work towards ending the conflict... It's an honor to discuss these shared issues and seek solutions together," Marcos stated.
Establishment of Ukrainian Embassy in Manila
In a significant diplomatic move, President Zelenskyy revealed plans to open a Ukrainian embassy in Manila within the year. This decision highlights the growing diplomatic relationship between Ukraine and the Philippines and Manila's support for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for the Philippines' ongoing support and condemnation of Russia's invasion.
Participation in the Global Peace Summit
The leaders also discussed the upcoming Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, emphasizing the importance of Southeast Asian participation. President Zelenskyy announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the Philippines would take part in the summit. "We talked about the inaugural Global Peace Summit and the vital role of Southeast Asian countries. I am pleased the Philippines will be represented," he noted.
While the Philippine government has yet to confirm whether Marcos will attend personally or send a representative, the summit has already seen over 50 registrations from more than 160 invited delegations, including nations from South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
