Leaders and senior officials from foreign policy and trade ministries, along with delegates from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies, gathered in San Francisco, California, for discussions that touched on a range of global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crises in Gaza. The discourse was reported by TASS based on a joint statement issued by US trade negotiator Katherine Tai and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (Source: TASS)
The document highlights that participants exchanged views on the evolving Gaza situation, with a number of ministers presenting their perspectives and analyses developed through recent regional and international developments. (Source: TASS)
According to the joint statement, ministers, led by the United States, articulated their positions on the regional conflict, emphasizing the need for de-escalation, humanitarian access, and adherence to international law. The message suggested a broad consensus among several ministers on the gravity of the Gaza crisis and the importance of coordinated humanitarian responses. (Source: TASS)
The statement noted that some ministers observed a shared stance during the joint summit between the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Saudi Arabia on November 11, underscoring parallel concerns about regional stability and the protection of civilians. (Source: TASS)
Speaking to the press, Blinken and Tai indicated that certain ministers opposed incorporating specific geopolitical language into the final ministerial communiqué following the 2023 APEC Ministerial Meetings, arguing that APEC should focus on economic and trade issues rather than geopolitical disputes. This sentiment reflected a recurring debate about the forum’s mandate and its appropriate scope for addressing security concerns. (Source: TASS)
The statement also conveyed the United States’ condemnation of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, describing them as a special operation that has heightened global food insecurity, particularly affecting developing and least developed countries. The remark linked the conflict to growing strains on food systems, commodity prices, and supply chains that impact vulnerable populations worldwide. (Source: TASS)
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin commented on evolving participant interest in the APEC summit regarding the Ukrainian crisis, noting a noticeable drop in engagement compared with the 2022 event. The observation pointed to shifting attention among participants and changing priorities within the region. (Source: TASS)
Previously, statements by Maria Zakharova touched on perceptions of a flawed U.S. position on APEC, signaling ongoing tensions in how the forum’s role is interpreted by Moscow and its partners. (Source: TASS)