Russian president welcomes Aquino at APEC summit

President Benigno Aquino III. AP

MANILA, Philippines—Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed President Benigno Aquino III and other world leaders at the opening ceremonies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting held in Vladivostok, Russia Saturday.

After alighting from a black Mercedes Benz, Aquino walked through the entrance of the APEC Conference Center and approached Putin, who in turn extended his hands to welcome Aquino. The two leaders then posed for a souvenir photo.

Aquino was the third leader welcomed by Putin before the start of the Retreat Session I that marked the opening day of the APEC Leaders’ summit.

Vietnamese President Troung Tan Sang was the first to arrive at the event, followed by a representative for the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of Japan came after Aquino.

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, who represented United States President Barack Obama, was the last to arrive at the center.

Aquino had said that he would make the most of the two-day APEC leaders’ summit in Russia to push trade and sell the Philippines to investors.

The 21 members of the grouping meet every year for a forum to facilitate economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.