MANILA: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked his Philippine counterpart on Monday (Jun 3) for Manila’s participation in a high-level peace summit later this month, describing it as a “very strong signal” towards achieving peace in the war-torn nation.
In their first in-person meeting in Manila, Zelenskyy also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for his country’s “clear position” on Russia’s occupation of Ukraine’s territories, while the Philippine leader assured him of his continued support.
“I’m happy to hear today from you that you participate (in) our basic steps to the peace,” Zelenskyy told Marcos during their bilateral meeting, speaking in English. He thanked Marcos for Manila’s participation in the peace summit, saying “it’s a very strong signal”.
It was not immediately clear if Marcos would attend the summit or if he would send an envoy.
“Thank you so much (for) your big word, and clear position … about this Russian occupation of our territories,” he said, adding that Ukraine will open an embassy in Manila this year.
