His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam arrived in Lima, Peru yesterday for the annual 16th Apec Economic Leader's Meeting.

The November 22-23 meeting will focus on the world financial crisis, support for the Doha round of trade talks, food and energy security and regional economic integration.

Earlier, Apec ministers pledged to strengthen regional cooperation through Apec by addressing the challenging financial and economic outlook, continuing to promote free and open trade and investment, support structural economic reforms, improve human security and ensure that all members of the APEC economies have the training and opportunities necessary to benefit from globalisation during the 20th Apec Ministerial Meeting.

The meeting was co-chaired by Peru's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Jose Antonio Garcia-Belaunde, and Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mercedes Araoz. Brunei was represented by Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng during the joint ministerial meeting.

The Apec ministers yesterday said in a statement that ensuring a rapid, coordinated and effective response to the current global financial crisis is the highest priority for Apec economies. This will be focus of attention when Apec Economic Leaders meet this weekend.

Brunei, which became an Apec member in November 1989, hosted the summit in 2000. - Borneo Bulletin (22nd Nov 2008)