Duterte to attend APEC leaders’ retreat to discuss COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will attend the leaders’ retreat of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) set on Friday night, Malacañang said.

In a statement, Malacañang said Duterte, along with other leaders, will discuss measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to accelerate economic recovery during the APEC Informal Leaders’ Retreat.

The President will participate via video conference, the Palace added.

APEC is composed of 21 member economies, including China, Hong Kong, the United State, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and others.

International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva and World Health Organization executive director Michael Ryan are expected to brief the leaders on the global economic and health responses to contain the pandemic.

The event, which is chaired by New Zealand, is one of the highlights in the 2021 APEC calendar, Malacañang said.

During the first virtual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November last year, Duterte called for stronger cooperation to ensure universal coronavirus vaccine access and inclusive economic recovery.

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