By V. Sankara
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia can play a significant role on fostering peace in Ukraine by supporting the ten-point “peace formula” unveiled by President Volodymyr Zelensky aimed at addressing the Russian aggression within Ukrainian territory.
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Interparliamentary Ties of Ukrainian Parliament, Oleksandr Merezhko, said Malaysia could participate in the implementation process of the peace formula by attending the Ukraine ‘peace summit’ to be held year-end at a venue to be determined later.
“I believe in terms of interparliamentary diplomacy and foreign policy, Malaysia has huge potential and should play a bigger role in the international arena.
“We hope that Malaysia can be an active participant of this peace summit where it will discuss the issue of peace and security as a whole in general,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview, recently.
Merezhko was on a five-day visit to Malaysia ending Tuesday (Aug 15) after Indonesia as part of his diplomatic tour to ASEAN.
The “peace summit,” as reported by international media, is a collaborative effort by Zelensky and his allies to garner support for a resolution that can put an end to the conflict stemming from Russia’s full-scale aggression nearly 18 months ago.
This initiative builds upon a 10-point plan outlined by Zelensky, encompassing crucial aspects such as the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, establishment of a tribunal to hold accountable those responsible for military aggression and provision of security guarantees for Ukraine.
Merezhko emphasised that the implications of the peace formula extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, highlighting that “the peace formula is not only a matter of interest for Ukraine but also for other countries like Malaysia, who care for peace and international legal order.”
The Russian aggression that commenced on February 24, 2022, has led to a devastating loss of lives on both sides, with over 8.5 million Ukrainians reported to have fled the country – creating Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of his nation, Merezhko acknowledged Malaysia’s support through its affirmative vote for the United Nations resolution aimed at ending Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Member of Parliament underscored Malaysia’s commitment to upholding international law and peace through its stance.
Merezhko also extended an invitation to Malaysian investors and businessmen, urging them to actively participate in the post-conflict rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, expressing hope for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict by year-end or at the latest, the next year.
“The participation of Malaysia in Ukraine’s rebuilding and reconstruction efforts is important.
“The reconstruction and rebuilding in Ukraine will take dozens of years, and we need the investments and expertise from Malaysia in the reconstruction efforts, which I believe should start right now and not wait until after the war ends.”
Merezhko highlighted areas such as public infrastructure and housing that require restoration due to the conflict’s impact.
— NNN-BERNAMA