MANILA – Senator Erwin Tulfo met with members of the Ukrainian Parliament to discuss potential cooperation on defense, trade, and agriculture between Ukraine and the Philippines on the sidelines of the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

During the bilateral meeting with First Deputy Chairman Oleksandr Korniyenko, Member of Parliament Lesia Vasylenko, and MP Oleksandr Sanchenko, Tulfo expressed the Philippines’ support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.

The senator, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said the Philippines shares Ukraine’s experience of facing territorial challenges, citing the country’s dispute in the South China Sea.

“You are not alone. We do understand your plight. We do understand your situation at this very point,” Tulfo told members of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s unicameral parliament.

“The Philippine government is sharing the same opinion and idea to support you for what you’re fighting for. We are against foreign aggression in our nation just like you,” he added.

Tulfo also expressed hope that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would reach a positive conclusion soon, noting the ongoing conflict’s impact on the global economy, particularly on fuel and agricultural commodities such as wheat.

In response, the Ukrainian lawmakers thanked Tulfo for conveying the Philippine government’s support and extended an invitation for Philippine legislators to visit Kyiv.

During the meeting, Vasylenko proposed the possible appointment of a Philippine special trade envoy to Ukraine to enhance bilateral economic ties. She said stronger trade relations would benefit both nations—helping the Philippines gain greater access to the European Union market while supporting Ukraine in rebuilding its war-affected economy.

Tulfo, who heads the Philippine delegation to the IPU Assembly, said the issues discussed during the meeting will be relayed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.