(Bandar Seri Begawan, 1st) His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei today attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue (Session 1) held at the Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju, South Korea.
Prince Mateen accompanied His Majesty at the meeting.
Upon arrival at the venue, His Majesty the Sultan was warmly welcomed by South Korean President and current APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) Chair, Lee Jae-myung.
In his speech at the meeting, His Majesty emphasized that the current global situation is filled with uncertainty and the pace of technological change is accelerating. All countries must strengthen cooperation to ensure the region remains coherent and resilient, and that we are prepared for future challenges.
His Majesty pointed out that APEC should continue to promote an open, fair, rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) as its core pillar. At the same time, close collaboration between government and the private sector is key to tackling challenges, especially in the era of digital transformation. There is a greater need to enhance future skills to empower businesses, strengthen regional integration, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
He emphasized that the realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) is an important avenue for achieving this goal.
This meeting was chaired by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Besides the Sultan of Brunei, leaders from Canada, Thailand, Japan, and the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates were also in attendance.