APEC summit opens in South Korea with focus on economic cooperation
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit opened Friday in South Korea’s coastal city of Gyeongju
GYEONGJU, South Korea (MNTV) – The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit opened Friday in South Korea’s coastal city of Gyeongju, aiming to strengthen regional economic cooperation and address global trade challenges.
The two-day summit, chaired by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, is being attended by leaders from across the region, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Other attendees include New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon, Vietnam’s Luong Cuong, and Canada’s Mark Carney. It is South Korea’s first time hosting the APEC leaders’ meeting in 20 years.
President Lee, who met Xi for the first time since taking office in June, said Seoul aims to strengthen solidarity among member economies to achieve shared prosperity and sustainable growth.
“Cooperation and solidarity are the surest path to a better future,” Lee said at the opening session, as quoted by Yonhap News Agency.
“We all stand at a critical turning point as the international order undergoes rapid transformation.”
This year’s discussions will center on regional economic integration, digital transformation, and inclusive growth. The meeting is expected to produce the “Gyeongju Declaration,” highlighting key priorities such as artificial intelligence and demographic challenges.
Thousands of police officers and nearly 4,000 military personnel have been deployed to ensure security throughout the high-profile gathering.
In his address, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to openness and multilateralism.
“China will not close the door to the outside world but will only open it still wider,” Xi said, according to Xinhua News Agency.
He outlined a five-point proposal to promote inclusive globalization and build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, urging members to keep industrial and supply chains “stable and smooth.”
US President Donald Trump skipped the summit after attending a business forum and bilateral meetings earlier in the week.
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