President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to travel to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to participate in this year’s 32nd APEC Economic Leaders Meeting with the theme: “Building Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect Innovate Prosper,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Tuesday. 

In a Palace press briefing, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said Marcos’ trip to Busan in Gyeongju was at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. 

“The President’s participation is centered on advancing the Philippines’ economic interests, forging deeper ties with APEC members and reaffirming our commitment to APEC’s vision of a more open, prosperous and dynamic Asia-Pacific in a rapidly transforming regional landscape,” Escalona told reporters. 

According to Escalona, the two sessions of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting are expected to yield outcome documents which include the leaders' declaration as well as three statements on Artificial Intelligence, on demographic change and cultural creative industries. 

These topics reflect the priorities set by Korea as this year’s APEC host and tackle trends that impact economic growth across the region.

Escalona noted the President will also attend the Leaders’ Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

“The President is also expected to deliver a speech at the APEC CEO Summit. This gathering brings together representatives from APEC members and top business executives to discuss key economic issues facing the region,” she added. 

Apart from APEC activities, Escalona said the President will meet with members of the Filipino Community in Busan, followed by a series of meetings with various business leaders and executives.

“The President’s visit will conclude with the wreath laying and tree planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan in honor of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought during the Korean War as members of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea,” said Escalona.