Leaders of the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) wrapped up their annual meeting Sunday afternoon, agreeing to further promote trade and improve energy efficiency for the region's sustainable development.
Australian Prime Minister, the host, declared at a ceremony the concluding of the two-day meeting, where the leaders had held discussions under the theme of "Strengthening our community, building a sustainable future."
During their gathering, the APEC leaders issued a Sydney Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development, setting specific goals on reducing energy intensity and increasing forest cover.
Howard said they also agreed on a Leaders Declaration and stated a very strong support for the Doha round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations.
"(We have made) an urgent request to all countries involved in the Doha process to renew their efforts to achieve an outcome, emphasizing that agriculture and industrial products are the two priority areas," he said.
He said the key elements of the Leaders' Declaration include agreements to strengthen regional economic integration and build pro-business environment. The leaders also agreed in the document to enhance human security in the region.
The annual meeting of Pacific-Rim leaders is a forum of the highest level in the Asia-Pacific region, with this year drawing the presence of such prominent figures as Chinese President Hu Jintao, U.S. President George W. Bush, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Founded in 1989, APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia- Pacific region.
Source: Xinhua
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