President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a phone call on bilateral cooperation and upcoming ASEAN chairship preparations. (Photo from the Bongbong Marcos Facebook account)
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call this week to discuss deeper cooperation as the Philippines begins preparations to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.
Marcos said the two leaders reaffirmed what he described as “warm relations” between Manila and Kyiv and identified areas for expanded collaboration, including agriculture, food security and digitalization. He added that the Philippines is exploring ways to enhance ASEAN–Ukraine engagement once Manila assumes the chairship next year.
Zelenskyy, in a statement posted on X, said he updated Marcos on Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic efforts with the United States and other partners aimed at ensuring what he called a “guaranteed peace.” He thanked the Philippines for backing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and extended condolences over recent typhoon-related deaths and damage in the country.
Zelenskyy also said Marcos expressed interest in Ukrainian technologies and expertise. Both leaders agreed to direct their respective teams to begin follow-up work on potential projects. Ukrainian officials have previously noted Kyiv’s interest in pursuing a defense cooperation memorandum with the Philippines, including possible collaboration on naval drone technology.
