Marcos, Zelenskyy agree on stronger cooperation as PH readies for ASEAN chairship
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy early Friday, November 28, where they agreed to step up their two nations' ties and keep Ukraine on the agenda when Manila takes the helm of ASEAN in 2026.
Marcos said in a social media post that the call reaffirmed the “warm relations” between the Philippines and Ukraine, noting that they discussed cooperation in security, agriculture and digitalization.
"As the Philippines assumes the Chairship of ASEAN, we also discussed ways to strengthen ASEAN–Ukraine engagement for the benefit of our peoples," he added.
Ukraine has been seeking deeper engagement with ASEAN as a way to broaden diplomatic support beyond Europe amid Russia's continued attacks. Kyiv sees Southeast Asia as a key region where increased ties could help counter Russia’s influence.
Meanwhile, Zelenskky on social media also shared that he had expressed condolences to Marcos for the victims of recent typhoons in the Philippines.
Marcos was also briefed about Ukraine's "joint work with the United States and other partners on the steps toward establishing a guaranteed peace," Zelenskyy said.
"I am grateful for the Philippines’ support for the peace efforts, for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the clear stance," the Ukrainian leader said.
Zelenskyy also mentioned the Philippines' interest in "the expertise and technologies Ukraine can offer." He did not specify which technologies, but Ukraine's ambassador to the Philippines previously said that Kyiv has offered Manila a defense deal that includes joint production of naval drones.
Drones are seen as a potential game-changer in the Philippines' defense of its rights in the West Philippine Sea because they are cheaper to acquire and can provide surveillance and deterrence in waters where Manila lacks enough ships and aircraft.
With the Philippines' interest, Zelenskyy said: "We agreed that our teams will follow up on all these matters in the near future."
Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv earlier said Ukraine is eyeing a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation with the Philippines — an agreement that would open the doors for co-production of drones between both countries.
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