Why Is Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Philippines?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Malacañan Palace to meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday morning, June 3, 2024.
The visit comes on the heels of both leaders' participation in the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. This premier defense summit, which brings together government leaders, defense officials, experts, and business icons, aims to foster close cooperation among countries to address regional security challenges. Marcos delivered the keynote address during the forum's opening day, emphasizing a rules-based international order amidst ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Zelenskyy's presence at the Shangri-La Dialogue was notably unscheduled.
Zelenskyy signs the Malacañan Palace guestbook
The bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Marcos, according to the Presidential Communications Office, was a way for both countries to strengthen further their 32-year-old diplomatic ties that were formally established on April 7, 1992. It is the Ukrainian president's first time in the Philippines.
"Thank you for this invitation, and we’re very thankful to be in here in your country, and, which supports Ukraine, our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Thank you so much for your 'big word' and clear position about us, about for this Russia occupation of our territories, and thank you on your support," Zelenskyy told Marcos.
The Philippines has consistently supported Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as evidenced by its votes at the UN General Assembly condemning Russia's invasion. This meeting is a continuation of the dialogue initiated in February 2023, when Marcos and Zelenskyy first discussed the war in Ukraine during a phone conversation. Marcos expressed admiration for the bravery and nationalism displayed by Ukrainians and reiterated his call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Zelenskyy also confirmed that Ukraine is opening an embassy in Manila this 2024.
ALSO READ
Ukraine's Defense Ministry Just Quoted Jose Rizal
The Last Train Stop Before Heading to Ukraine's War
Ukraine Asks for Mental Health Aid from the Philippines
Zelenskyy also told Marcos that Ukraine is in need of more mental health workers, specifically for the soldiers and first responders in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.
“Thanks, you mentioned about humanitarian possibilities especially for medicine and like I said to you, especially, psychological mental health and etc., – army. So, you understand how many people need their help when they come back, they can’t lose in the families. It’s difficult for them — to study again," the Ukrainian president said.
Stressing that "the Philippines is quite well-known in healthcare in terms of providing assistance," Marcos said that the country can send Filipino mental health workers.
"I am happy to do all that we can to make sure that we can help especially the civilians and the innocents that are involved in the war. This is something that comes naturally to the Philippines so this will be something that we could pursue," the Philippine president added.
Ukraine ranked as the 90th trading partner of the Philippines in 2022. It was home to nearly 200 Filipinos, but this number was reduced to 25 after several of them went back to the Philippines due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
