Zelenskyy arrives in the Philippines to discuss bilateral cooperation and Russian aggression with the President
3 June 2024 09:15
ВІДЕО
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The head of state announced this on Telegram, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“I arrived in the Philippines and met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the first time in the history of our bilateral relations. I am grateful to the Philippines for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, for its clear position on Russia’s aggression against our country, and for supporting important UN resolutions,”
– zelenskyy said.
The President also said that Ukraine intends to open an embassy in Manila this year to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The two sides also discussed the Global Peace Summit and the importance of Southeast Asian countries being represented at it.
“We appreciate that the Philippines will take part in the Summit,”
– zelenskyy said.
The presidents discussed other issues of bilateral cooperation, including the export of Ukrainian agricultural products to the Philippines.
The Associated Press reported that Zelenskyy arrived in Manila unannounced and under tight security on the evening of 2 June after speaking at the Shangri-La Forum in Singapore.
According to the agency’s sources, Zelenskyy was unable to meet personally with the Philippine president on the sidelines of the forum and decided to fly to Manila to personally invite Marcos to a peace summit. The two officials also discussed bilateral cooperation.
In a recording released by the administration, Zelenskyy hinted that Marcos had accepted the invitation, although it was unclear whether the Philippine leader had agreed to attend the peace summit in Switzerland in person or send a representative.
“I am glad to hear from you today that you will participate in our peaceful steps. This is a very strong signal,”
– Zelenskyy told Marcos.
