Ukraine celebrated its 34th Independence Day in Manila on August 27, highlighting its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the Philippines across trade, defense, diplomacy, and cultural cooperation.

During the event held in Pasay City, Ukrainian Ambassador Yuliia Fediv expressed gratitude for the Philippines’ continued support on multilateral platforms, including its affirmative vote for Ukraine’s candidacy to the UNESCO Executive Board and the United Nations Economic and Social Council for 2026 to 2028.

“The historic visit of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Manila on June 3 last year was more than a milestone—it was a message to the world that Kyiv and Manila are ready to build a new era of cooperation,” Fediv said.

She emphasized that since that visit, both nations have shown clear intent and political will to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic level.

Fediv confirmed that both governments are preparing to launch political consultations at the deputy foreign minister level, following a dialogue last July between Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro. These consultations aim to institutionalize foreign policy engagement and reinforce shared democratic values.

Ukraine also pledged its full support for the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028.

“Ukraine seeks peace—a peace that is just, lasting, and never purchased at the cost of submission. As we continue our resistance against aggression, we know that diplomacy is a vital front,” Fediv said.

On the economic front, Ambassador Fediv noted that total trade in goods between the two countries reached nearly $70 million in 2024, with Ukrainian exports at $12 million and imports from the Philippines totalling $57 million. This trend has continued into the first half of 2025.

Ukraine’s principal exports to the Philippines include wheat, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals, while it imports high-value electronics and industrial components from the Philippines.

“We believe the Philippine market could become a vital entry point for Ukrainian goods into Southeast Asia,” Fediv said, citing growth potential in grain, sunflower oil, honey, confectionery, and long-shelf-life pharmaceuticals.

To support this momentum, Ukraine has submitted several draft agreements to the Philippine government, including a Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation, Memorandum on Cyber Defence, and the Draft Defence Cooperation Agreement.

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles Jose welcomed Ukraine’s interest in expanding cooperation with ASEAN, guided by the 2024 policy paper Ukraine–ASEAN Vision of Cooperation.

Usec. Jose also highlighted the flourishing friendship between the two nations, which formally established economic relations in April 1992. “Thirty-three years of economic relations may be relatively short, but we are truly pleased at how our friendship has flourished,” he said.

Jose noted that this year’s celebration marked the first official observance of Ukraine’s National Day in the Philippines.“This evening is a milestone in itself. It may well be the first time that Ukraine's National Day is being officially celebrated here,” he said.

He also acknowledged the opening of the Ukrainian Embassy in Manila and the accreditation of Ukraine’s first resident ambassador earlier this year as signs of a vibrant new chapter in bilateral relations. “We are hopeful that we can take relations to a deeper level in the coming years, especially in trade, agriculture, ecology, and innovation,” Jose added.

Both Ambassador Fediv and Usec Jose reaffirmed their countries’ shared commitment to peace, sovereignty, and a rules-based international order.

“We remain committed to supporting all efforts to establish a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Jose said. “Such peace is crucial to global security and would allow us to pursue initiatives that contribute to both our countries’ national development.”