Yudhoyono Expects Greater Connectivity among APEC, Non-APEC Nations

Bali (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday he expected greater connectivity among Asia Pacific economies and other countries for a sustainable and equitable economic growth. "We realize that connectivity among APEC economies and other countries is very important for achieving APEC's goal and objective of a sustainable and equitable economic growth," President Yudhoyono stated. He added that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and non-APEC countries have so far been collaborating while dealing with issues, such as climate change and managing natural disasters. The Indonesian head of state made these statements while inaugurating an informal meeting of APEC leaders with four representatives from the Pacific Island countries. These four representatives were President Anote Tong of Kiribati, Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lio of Solomon Islands, Fiji's Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and special envoy of the Marshal Islands Tom D Kijiner. The APEC leaders attending the informal meeting included Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Peruvian Foreign Minister Eda Rivas and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The informal meeting was held on the sidelines of the APEC Summit and preceded the second session of APEC leaders meeting on Tuesday. (*)