Zelenskyy meets Marcos, discusses peace, cooperation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Manila on Sunday evening and met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace on Monday morning to discuss peace and adherence to international rules-based order.

Zelenskyy thanked Marcos for the Philippines' support in UN resolutions condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, invited Marcos to a Global Peace Summit scheduled for June 15-16 in Switzerland, which Marcos confirmed he would attend, and expressed gratitude for the country's clear position on the conflict.

During their meeting, both leaders highlighted similarities between Ukraine's conflict with Russia and the Philippines' territorial dispute with China, emphasizing the importance of unity against attempts to occupy independent countries.

Zelenskyy also discussed bilateral cooperation, particularly Ukrainian agricultural exports to the Philippines, and requested that Filipino mental health workers be sent to Ukraine to support returning civilians.

The visit underscored the Philippines' ongoing support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as evidenced by its consistent backing at the UN General Assembly.