This region's voice is "very important" in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine despite its distance to Europe.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the statement in an interview on Monday, June 4, where he was asked how important it is for Ukraine that the countries in this region express solidarity with Ukraine amid the war.
"Your voice is very important. This region is very important. We are thankful to the Philippines when you supported (us) in the United Nations," Zelenskyy said.
"It is a signal that you don't want any war," he added.
The Ukrainian president stressed that "we have to be together with (a) very strong and clear position that nobody can occupy your territory."
He further said that the unity among nations is crucial in sending a clear signal that no country must try or even think to occupy other independent countries.
Zelenskyy also said that there are a lot of similarities in challenges the Ukraine is facing with the Philippines in terms of dealing with the situation in the West Philippine Sea.
"I think that there are a lot of similar things and a lot of challenges, that's why we spoke with the President that now, we need unity because if Ukraine (falls) down, if Russia will occupy us totally, this war---we will see this war in other continents and it can be in (a) new direction, in (a) new region and it's (going to be) a big tragedy, (a) lot of casualties." he said.
"So we have to be in unity, not to give (in to) Russia to occupy Ukraine, not to give them any possibility to win in this unprovoked war and that will be the signal. If Ukraine will stay strong, with the unity, with the diplomacy, with the unity in diplomacy of different countries in different regions; if we will stay strong, it means that it will give a very important signal to other countries not to try, even to think how to occupy other independent countries," he added.