A Ukrainian diplomat on Friday apologized for "any misunderstanding" his recent press conference with Manila-based reporters might have caused after an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called him out for revealing that Malacañang has not responded yet to Ukraine's dialogue request with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
"My dear colleagues, I apologize for the any misunderstanding this might cause by not very correct, misunderstood speaking. Thank you for your understanding and I would like to assure you that there is all respect on my side," Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia Charge d'Affaires Denys Mykhailiuk said.
Mykhailiuk issued the apology in an interview with ANC after DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Carlos Sorreta said on Thursday that what the former did was "not good diplomatic practice to be doing."
"When matters like this are vented by representative of another government through the press, it's not something that we appreciate," Sorreta also said.
During the 49-minute press conference that tackled on various matters, including the Ukraine peace plan, Mykhailiuk said he did not complain of the standing proposal with the Philippines government but was just stating matters of fact.
He said he regretted what happened as he also reiterated Ukraine's appreciation for the Philippines in supporting Ukraine through a United Nations General Assembly resolution as well as through other venues.
Mykhailiuk said he has not talked to Sorreta yet but has already gotten in touch with someone from the DFA.