APEC backs free, open, non-discriminatory trade, investment: statement
The leaders of Asia-Pacific economies on Friday reaffirmed their determination to deliver a free, open and non-discriminatory trade and investment environment at their annual meeting in San Francisco.
In their joint statement issued after the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the leaders from the group of 21 members also acknowledged the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system and market-driven economic integration.
While their statement made no reference to Russia’s war on Ukraine or the Israel-Hamas conflict, the separately released chair’s statement said they reiterated their “respective positions” on Russia’s aggression and the Gaza crisis.
