Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has met with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky at the Summit for Peace in Ukraine, held in Switzerland.

Katonivere said his presence at the summit signifies Fiji’s high-level support to Ukraine, and its commitment to ending the war and finding a peaceful solution for Ukrainians and the global communities.

He said as well as voting in support of the UN General Assembly Resolutions calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine, Fiji has also cooperated with the international community, particularly the US, to seize a Russian superyacht linked to a sanctioned oligarch.

“Fiji acknowledges the extensive global repercussions of the conflict including its influence on the Pacific region,” Katonivere said.

“We commend your leadership and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“You can continue to count on Fiji’s support.”

The Fiji government said President Zelensky welcomed Fiji’s participation at the Summit and for its support towards the peace talks.

Asked by the BBC if Ukraine’s weaker position on the battlefield had forced him to consider diplomatic moves, Zelenksy replied that this was not the case and Ukraine had always talked about peace.

He said Moscow’s presence at negotiations would demonstrate its willingness for peace.

“Russia can start negotiations tomorrow if they pull out of our territories,” he said.

But he said Russian President Vladimir Putin would not end the war and had to be stopped “in any way we can”, whether by military or diplomatic means.

A final document was adopted which blamed the war’s widespread suffering and destruction firmly on Russia.

However, several countries attending including India, South Africa and Saudi Arabia did not sign it.

The final document calls for Ukrainian control to be restored over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently occupied by Russia.

It also refers to Russia’s invasion as a “war”, a label which Moscow has rejected.

Russia was not invited, and its biggest backer China was not present, leading some to cast doubt on the summit’s effectiveness.

Zelensky also said that China was not Ukraine’s enemy.

Russia has described the Swiss event as a waste of time, and on Friday President Vladimir Putin said he would agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine withdrew troops from four regions which Russia partially occupies and claims to have annexed.

~ RNZ