As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues and China persists with illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines and Ukraine vowed to strengthen their strategic partnership at a high-level forum hosted by the Stratbase Institute together with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines.
The September 23 event, titled “Strengthening Strategic Ties: Enhancing Cooperation between the Philippines and Ukraine,” gathered lawmakers, diplomats, military leaders, and security experts from both countries who underscored that defending sovereignty today requires resilience, innovation, and cooperation with like-minded democracies.
Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres Manhit said both nations face coercion and incursions that threaten sovereignty.
Ukrainian Ambassador Yuliia Fediv added that the partnership is anchored on shared values and a commitment to upholding a rules-based international order.
Ukrainian experts and lawmakers shared lessons from the ongoing conflict in Europe, particularly on maritime security, battlefield technology, diplomacy, and trade.
Filipino security officials, meanwhile, highlighted the regional imbalance of naval power in Asia, the risks of Chinese aggression, and the need for a sustainable defense strategy.
The forum follows a similar Stratbase event with the European Council on Foreign Relations, reinforcing calls for deeper alliances, technological innovation, and international cooperation anchored on shared democratic principles.
