25 March 2015 - In conjunction with the Philippines’ role as APEC 2015 host, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) this morning held an embassy briefing on logistical and security preparations for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), to be held in Manila from November 18 to 19, 2015. In attendance were representatives from the embassies of the 20 other APEC member economies. Led by Director General Ambassador Marciano A. Paynor, Jr., members of the APEC National Organizing Council (APEC-NOC) briefed the embassy representatives on the proposed schedule for the AELM, along with details regarding travel and accommodations, security arrangements, and media operations.
Traditionally held at the conclusion of each hosting year, the AELM provides an avenue for economy leaders to articulate specific agreements and concrete actions resulting from the various working group and ministerial-level meetings held over the previous year. The annual gathering is attended by heads of government and other senior officials, and represents the member economies’ commitment to trade and investment liberalization, business facilitation, and economic and technical cooperation.
In line with this, the APEC-NOC has been working with agencies, embassies, and official partners such as BMW—which has been providing transportation support—to lay down all the necessary logistical and security arrangements. The safety and well-being of our guests remain among our top priorities, and as we continue to host this year’s APEC meetings, we will ensure that all their needs are seen to and provided for in advance.
Building toward the AELM, upcoming meetings include the 22nd Automotive Dialogue Meeting (April 20-24, Manila); the Disaster Risk Finance – APEC Roadmap for Resilient Economies Meeting (April 29-30, Bacolod); the Second Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (May 10-21, Boracay); and the Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting (May 23-24, Boracay). END