Korean Prime Minister Emphasizes Asia-Pacific Leadership Role in 21st Century

Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Lee Hae-chan outlined the important role of the Asia-Pacific community as leaders in the areas of community building, technology exchange and innovation in his address at the APEC Secretariat in Singapore on Monday.

H.E. Mr. Lee mapped out the emergence of the Asia-Pacific region as the preeminent grouping, which will largely shape the agenda of 21st century. Mr. Lee pointed to the achievements of APEC economies which have begun the process of building a regional community based on mutual trust, true cultural and intellectual exchange and mutual respect amongst members.

H.E. Mr. Lee and his delegation were welcomed to the APEC Secretariat by Ambassador Choi Seok Young, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. Mr. Lee thanked the staff of the APEC Secretariat for their support and hard work to make APEC Korea 2005 a success and expressed his wishes for continued support throughout the remainder of 2005. Mr. Lee also indicated that the Government of Korea will present a gift to the APEC Secretariat before the end of 2005.

The Korean Prime Minister announced that a state-of-the-art convention centre is currently under construction in Busan, Korea, to accommodate the Annual APEC Economic Leaders' meeting in November. Mr. Lee said that the convention centre would leave a lasting impression on the Leaders of the 21 economies around the Pacific Rim, when they gather for informal meetings later in the year.

The Annual APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be preceded by the APEC Ministerial Meeting, APEC Business Advisory Council Meeting and Concluding Senior Officials' Meeting, all of which will take place in Busan, Korea from November 12-19, 2005.

Photographs of the visit by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Lee Hae-chan, to the APEC Secretariat are availalbe for downloads.