S. Korean President Lee says "APEC is a platform for solidarity"

South Korean President Lee Jae Myeong said the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is a platform for solidarity in an era of rising protectionism.

In his remarks, the President noted that in an era where protectionism and the prioritization of national interests are on the rise—making immediate survival seem urgent—words such as cooperation, mutual prosperity, and inclusive growth may at times sound hollow.

He emphasized that paradoxically, it is precisely in times of crisis like these that the role of APEC as a platform for solidarity shines even brighter.  He stated that connection represents the power of solidarity that bridges this age of division, and reaffirmed that the Republic of Korea, as a responsible and leading global nation, will play a significant role in restoring the links of trust and cooperation within the region.