By Veronica Uy
Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Andrii Sybiha has explained why the Philippines’ participation in the upcoming Global Peace Summit is vital, emphasizing the significant role the country plays in regional and global security.
“President Zelenskyy came here also because of the importance of your country, your voice, and your support,” the Foreign Minister said in an exclusive interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS. “You are a very important country in the region. Your positive decision and attitude encourage other ASEAN countries.”
Zelenskyy’s visit to the Philippines, he noted, was also to personally meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and strengthen the ties between the two nations. “We are like-minded countries. We share the same values and challenges. This provides a strong foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation,” Sybiha said.
The Global Peace Summit, based on Zelenskyy’s ten-point peace formula, is gaining international attention. “This is a global event, and we are thankful for our partners for supporting this idea. It is important to get as many countries as possible involved to achieve a sustainable, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine,” the deputy foreign minister said.
Sybiha highlighted the significant international support Ukraine has received. “One hundred forty-three countries voted to support the United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s aggression. Eighty-two countries participated at the level of national security advisors in Davos. Currently, we have confirmations from 104 countries for the Global Peace Summit,” he said.
The deputy foreign minister expressed optimism that Ukraine will muster more participants in the Global Peace Summit. “We continue our efforts to engage more countries, providing additional arguments why it is important for them. This war against Ukraine is not only about Ukraine. It’s about regional security, global security, and the restoration of world order based on international law,” he said.
During his visit to Manila, the high-ranking diplomat from Ukraine met with ambassadors from various countries to discuss strategies to inspire more participation from the region. “We see a growing understanding of the importance of supporting the principles of international law and the UN Charter,” he said.
Addressing the misinformation spread by Russia, Sybiha said, “This is not a crisis; it is a true war against Ukraine and Russian aggression. The only way to achieve peace is through the Ukrainian peace formula, the Zelenskyy peace formula. War is on our territory, and we know best how to achieve peace.”
Sybiha also welcomed potential contributions from China. “We are interested in China’s participation in this global peace summit. They could significantly influence Russia and contribute to achieving peace. Many principles expressed by China align with the Zelenskyy peace formula,” he said.
The deputy foreign minister also announced the participation of several influential countries. “Qatar is joining the summit. Turkey, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and many others have confirmed their participation. We are working hard to get more on board,” he said.
In a message to the Filipino people, the Foreign Minister expressed gratitude. “We are thankful for your support of our country. I wish peace and prosperity for the Philippines. We deserve to have stronger relations between Ukraine and the Philippines.”
With the Global Peace Summit approaching, Ukraine continues to rally international support, highlighting the critical role that countries like the Philippines play in the pursuit of global stability and peace.
To watch the full interview, here is the link: https://youtu.be/VK_R3i2bDX4
