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Joint statement on the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence

24.08.2022 Press and information team of the Delegation to PHILIPPINES

Joint statement on the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence, by the Embassies of Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines.

On August 24th, 1991, the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, declared the country’s independence from the Soviet Union. In a referendum on December 1, 1991, the people of Ukraine expressed deep and widespread support for the Act of Declaration of Independence, with more than 90 percent of voting in favor, and 84 percent of the electorate participating. Over the last 31 years, Ukraine has established itself as a free, democratic and sovereign country.

Today, as we commemorate the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, and in light of the ongoing brutal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, we have greater resolve than ever to stand with Ukraine and affirm its right to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to defend itself, and to choose its own future.

The consequences of Russia’s illegal war are keenly felt in the Philippines, through increases in the prices of fuel, food, fertilizer, and other essential commodities. These effects are exacerbating poverty during a critical period of the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this, we continue to commit to demonstrating global solidarity through working to address the international repercussions of Russia’s aggression, especially on the most vulnerable. We will also continue our international support to democratic institutions and advancing common values and principles, including free media and countering disinformation and interference in democratic processes.

We condemn and will not recognize Russia’s continued attempts to re-draw borders by force, which is a blatant violation of international law, and breach of the United Nations Charter. We reaffirm our strong opposition to any unilateral action that seeks to undermine the international rules-based system that underpins global peace, prosperity, and security. We continue to call on all states to join the growing chorus of condemnation for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

As representatives of Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines, we are steadfast in our solidarity with Ukraine. We salute the courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people in their defence of their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in their fight for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future.

Ms. HK Yu PSM, Ambassador-designate of Australia      

H.E. Michel Parys, Ambassador of Belgium                

H.E. Peter MacArthur, Ambassador of Canada

Mr. Dalibor Mička, Chargé d'affaires, a.i., Embassy of the Czech Republic  

Mr. Peter Dalberg, Chargé d'affaires, a. i., Royal Danish Embassy      

Ms. Laura Hassinen, Chargée d'affaires, a. i., Embassy of Finland

Mr. Fabrice Fize, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of France

Ms. Laura Oexle, Chargé d'affaires, a. i., Embassy of Germany

H.E. Marco Clemente, Ambassador of Italy

H.E. Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Ambassador of Japan

Ms. Marielle Geraedts, Ambassador-designate of the Netherlands                                                               

H.E. Peter Kell, Ambassador of New Zealand

Mr. William Westerveld Jensen, Chargé d'affaires, a.i., Royal Norwegian Embassy

Ms. Anna Krzak-Danel, Chargée d'affaires, a. i., Embassy of Poland

H.E. Răduța Dana Matache, Ambassador of Romania

Ms. Carmela Barcia Bustelo, Chargée d’Affaires, a.i., Embassy of Spain

H.E. Annika Thunborg, Ambassador of Sweden

H.E. Laura Beaufils, Ambassador of the United Kingdom               

H.E. MaryKay Loss Carlson, Ambassador of the United States