MANILA – Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the support shown by the Philippine government to their steps and measures in achieving peace.
During his meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace on Monday, Zelenskyy said he was glad to know that Philippine has supported Ukraine’s peace efforts.
“Thank you for this invitation and we are very thankful to be in your country which supports Ukraine, our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Zelenskyy said.
He added: “Thank you so much of your big word, and clear position about us, about this Russian occupation of our territories,” he added.
President Marcos, for his part, said the Philippines is willing to continue helping Ukraine through multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the European Union in order to achieve peace amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
“We’ll continue to do all that we can to promote….peace and to bring an end to the fighting and to come to a political resolution of your country,” Marcos said.
“I think everybody fully understands that it is easier said than done and it will be a difficult road to find our way back to the situation that is morally acceptable not only to Ukraine, but to the rest of the world,” he added.
The Chief Executive also stated that the Philippine government has been promoting the adherence to international rules-based order as he reiterates the country’s advocacy for peace.
President Marcos further said he was elated over Zelenskyy’s visit to discuss issues similarly faced by the two countries and hope that their future meeting would be under “better circumstances.”
“I’m happy that we are very honored that you find the time to pass by the Philippines. I know that the crisis in your country has occupied all of your attention and all of your time,” Marcos said.
“It is a great pleasure to meet with you to discuss some of the issues that are common to our two countries and hopefully find ways for both of us together. Once again, I wish it were under better circumstances but I’m happy that you are able to come and visit with us, Mr. President,” he added./PN
