Philippines and Croatia Highlight the Importance of International Law in Ukraine Conflict Resolution

*Mr. Petar Mihatov (left) and DFA Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta (right) share their insights on the implications of the conflict in Ukraine.*

The Foreign Service Institute, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, hosted the Mabini Dialogue “Perspectives on the Global Implications of the Conflict in Ukraine” on 21 March 2023 at the Bulwagang Elpidio Quirino at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Pasay City.

The Dialogue, which featured Mr. Petar Mihatov, Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of Croatia, and the Hon. Carlos D. Sorreta, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations at the DFA, discussed the regional and global implications of the conflict in Ukraine, and its impact on Philippines-Europe relations.

Mr. Mihatov highlighted the collective action of the European Union in responding to the conflict. Through various forms of assistance, Croatia and other European countries have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine. Mr. Mihatov also emphasized the importance of international law in addressing the conflict.

Undersecretary Sorreta discussed the Philippine response to the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized that the Philippines’s main priority is to ensure the safety of the Filipino community in Ukraine and repatriate those who wish to leave the conflict areas. The Philippines has voted to support the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution against the military invasion of Ukraine. It also expressed its support for Ukraine through a financial contribution to the UN humanitarian efforts in the country. Usec. Sorreta underscored the significant role of the UN Security Council in the resolution of the conflict and stressed that a negotiated peace can be achieved through relevant diplomatic channels.

Both speakers concluded the forum by highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation and collective action in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

The dialogue was attended by officers and staff of the DFA, foreign service posts, members of the diplomatic corps, other government agencies, media, and the academe.