Moon to participate in virtual G20, APEC summits this week

President Moon Jae-in speaks during the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

President Moon Jae-in will participate in virtual international summits later this week, the Blue House said Tuesday.

According to presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok, Moon will participate in the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting via video on Friday. Moon is also scheduled to join the two-day Group of 20 (G20) summit starting Saturday, Kang said.

During the APEC summit, Moon plans to discuss Korea’s experience and efforts fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and present the country’s plan to assist the international community. He will also address humanitarian assistances and support for the development of vaccines and potential cures, Kang said.

Moon is also expected to stress the importance of maintaining global supply chains and efforts to improve coordination on the digital economy, Kang said.

The leaders of 21 member countries including the United States and China will participate in the virtual summit to discuss efforts to cope with the pandemic and adopt a long-term vision. The upcoming virtual summit is themed as "Optimizing Human Potential Toward a Future of Shared Prosperity.”

Malaysia is the rotating host of this year's APEC session.

On Saturday and Sunday, Moon is scheduled to participate in the G20 summit events. Leaders from the 20 most advanced and emerging economies will participate in the meetings.

Moon plans to propose that the G20 play a leading role in global responses to the pandemic and climate change. He will also stress the importance of global cooperation to allow cross-border travel by essential workers.

Saudi Arabia will host the virtual summit events, themed “Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All."

BY SER MYO-JA [ser.myoja@joongang.co.kr]