President Marcos, Zelensky discuss peace-building, food security

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tackled areas of cooperation during a video call that also touched on peace-building and the recent cyclones that hit the Philippines.

“We discussed areas of cooperation: food security, agriculture and digitalization,” Zelensky said in a Facebook post yesterday.

“The Philippines is also interested in the expertise and technologies Ukraine can offer. We agreed that our teams will follow up on all these matters in the near future,” he added.

The Ukrainian leader said he expressed condolences to Marcos for the lives lost and the destruction caused by typhoons.

He also thanked the Philippines for supporting the ongoing peace efforts in his country, which is embroiled in a conflict with Russia.

“I briefed him on our joint work with the United States and other partners on the steps toward establishing a guaranteed peace. I am grateful for the Philippines’ support for the peace efforts, for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the clear stance,” Zelensky added.

President Marcos said they also tackled ways to bolster relations between Ukraine and the ASEAN as Manila assumes the regional bloc’s chairmanship next year.

They also discussed potential cooperation in food security, agriculture and digitalization between the two countries.

The Philippines and Ukraine officially established diplomatic ties in 1992. — Helen Flores