In a move that underscores the inclusivity of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the United States extended an invitation to all APEC participants to attend the upcoming summit in San Francisco. Reports from TASS, reflecting statements from the U.S. Department of State, indicate that the invitation was sent with an explicit aim to ensure broad participation across the APEC member nations, including the Russian Federation.
During a State Department briefing on November 2, officials reiterated that the United States intends to facilitate the presence of a Russian delegation at the San Francisco gathering. The briefings stressed that every eligible delegation should have the chance to participate, while noting that invitations were extended to all conference members as part of the forum’s goal to foster dialogue on regional trade, economics, and policy coordination.
Earlier, on October 3, Anatoly Antonov, the Russian Ambassador to the United States, stated that Moscow would decide who would represent Russia at the APEC summit in San Francisco. He added that Washington’s role was simply to prepare and deliver invitations to all APEC members. The ambassador framed the invitation as a standard diplomatic step, one that would allow Russia to select its representatives independently while honoring the forum’s multi-nation format.
Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented on US policy toward APEC, describing certain actions as flawed. Her remarks highlighted the stakes in the ongoing discussions about representation and participation within the APEC framework, reflecting broader tensions between the two countries over how the forum should operate and who should partake in shaping its agenda.
Across North America, observers note that the invitation signals a commitment to maintaining APEC’s tradition of inclusive dialogue, even as sensitive geopolitical dynamics continue to influence how member states engage with one another. Analysts in Canada and the United States emphasize that the summit will serve as a platform for addressing trade facilitation, investment climates, and regional security concerns, with participants expected to bring diverse perspectives to the table. The potential presence of Russia at the San Francisco meeting is viewed through a pragmatic lens: it could open channels for practical discussions on issues of mutual interest, while also testing the resilience of the bloc’s consensus-building mechanisms.
From a policy standpoint, the invitation process is part of a broader effort to maintain the credibility and relevance of APEC in a rapidly shifting landscape. Canada and the United States have both stressed the importance of transparent invitation practices and clear participation rules, ensuring that all members can contribute to the policy conversations that shape the Asia-Pacific economy. In this context, the San Francisco summit is framed not as a stage for confrontation but as a forum where economic priorities—simplified trade rules, digital economy growth, and sustainable development—can be advanced through collective action, even as nations navigate their distinct strategic priorities.
Looking ahead, observers will watch closely how Russia responds to the invitation and whether it formalizes representation in time for the gathering. The outcome will influence the tone of subsequent discussions within APEC and may affect the pace at which member economies coordinate on tariffs, supply chains, and regional standards. Regardless of the immediate political nuances, the invitation highlights APEC’s enduring role as a space for dialogue among diverse economies, including heavyweights from North America and Europe, alongside crucial growth engines in the Asia-Pacific region.