French President Macron Attends APEC Summit

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunju Lee] French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next month. This is the first time a French president has attended the APEC summit.

On the 5th (local time), AFP news agency reported citing the French presidential office, the ?lys?e Palace. The ?lys?e Palace stated, "Since the establishment of APEC in 1989, this is the first time a French president has been invited," adding, "It signifies progress in France's Indo-Pacific strategy announced in 2018."

It further explained, "It also shows new possibilities for cooperation between both sides in the Indo-Pacific region, which accounts for 93% of France's exclusive economic zone and is home to 1.5 million compatriots." France's overseas territories such as New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Mayotte, and R?union Island are located in the Indo-Pacific region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is confirmed to attend the APEC summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 18-19, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

U.S. media reported that President Biden is expected to skip this year's summit.