Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila today, expressing gratitude for the support of the Asian country’s government in Kiev and announcing the opening of an embassy by 2024.

Mr. Zelensky traveled to the Philippines from Singapore, where he spoke at the Sagri-La Dialogue, an international security forum. Neither of the two visits had been announced.

The Ukrainian head of state thanked his counterpart, the son of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, for Manila’s support and “clear position” regarding the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory in February 2022.

Mr Zelensky is on an international tour as part of his bid to secure as large a turnout as possible for the peace summit to be held on the 15th and 16th of this month in Switzerland, from which Russia will be absent.

Mr. Marcos told Mr. Zelensky that he was “honored” by his visit to Manila.

At the Singapore forum, the Philippine president delivered an extremely scathing speech in which he criticized “illegal”, “coercive” and “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea, without mentioning China by name but undoubtedly referring to it.

In his meeting with Mr. Zelensky, he characteristically noted that it is his “great pleasure” to discuss “issues common to both countries” with him.

While in Singapore, Mr. Zelenskiy expressed disappointment at not being able to meet with the Chinese delegation and at China’s decision not to participate in the international summit.

The president of Ukraine has invited his US counterpart Joe Biden to participate in the Swiss summit. Washington has not yet clarified at what level it will be represented.