Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung on Friday emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies to address common challenges in light of a changing free trade order and increasing global economic uncertainty. He delivered these remarks during the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, attended by leaders from the 21 member economies and representatives from several international organizations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee highlighted the pivotal moment the international community faces, with rapid transformations in the global order. He pointed out the significant changes affecting the free trade order and the intensifying global economic uncertainty, which are weakening the momentum for trade and investment.
President Lee also addressed the dual nature of the technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence, recognizing it as both a crisis and an opportunity. He stressed that cooperation and solidarity remain the most reliable paths to achieving a better future. While acknowledging that nations might not always align due to individual national interests, Lee underscored the importance of standing together to achieve the ultimate goal of shared prosperity.