President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Thursday afternoon to participate in the 32nd Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), where he is expected to promote the Philippines’ economic interests and strengthen relationships with other APEC member economies.

Marcos was welcomed by Philippine and Korean officials at the Gimhae Air Base in Busan.

The President then proceeded to meet with members of the Filipino community who gathered in the coastal city of Busan.

Aside from joining the AELM, the President’s schedule included attending the Leaders’ Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and addressing the APEC CEO Summit, which brings together leaders from APEC members and top business executives.

Marcos will also participate in a wreath-laying and tree planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan in honor of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought during the Korean War as members of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea.

In his departure speech earlier at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, the Chief Executive said he is “fully confident that our participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will produce concrete, meaningful outcomes that enhance cooperation, drive connectivity, and promote inclusive prosperity.”

The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, which will gather leaders and representatives from APEC’s 21 member-economies, will be held from October 30 to November 2. Presidential News Desk