MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong relations with Ukraine during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focusing on potential collaboration in food security, agriculture, and digitalization.

“I spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today to reaffirm our warm relations and discuss areas where our countries can work together. We focused on cooperation in food security, agriculture, and digitalization,” President Marcos said in a statement.

The leaders also explored ways to enhance engagement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Ukraine, as the Philippines prepares to assume the bloc’s chairmanship in 2026.

“As the Philippines assumes the Chairship of ASEAN, we also discussed ways to strengthen ASEAN–Ukraine engagement for the benefit of our peoples,” Marcos added.

President Zelenskyy previously visited Malacañang in 2024, announcing the opening of a Ukrainian Embassy in Manila. The Philippines and Ukraine formally established diplomatic relations in 1992.