PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia fully understands the Chilean government’s decision to cancel the hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week 2019 was made in the interest of safety and welfare of delegates.
The Foreign Ministry said Malaysia was grateful to Chile for all its invaluable contributions as 2019 host to further the objectives of APEC, including in the areas of digital economy, regional connectivity and women's role in economic growth.
"As Bogor Goals come to their completion, Malaysia look forward to hosting a substantive APEC in 2020," the ministry said in a statement today.
It was reported Chile had called off the APEC summit in Santiago scheduled to be held on Nov 16-17, due to anti-government protests. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, was reported as saying it was a difficult decision, but had to be made based on the principle of common sense.
The Chilean government had expanded a state of emergency to several cities across the country last week as a proposed hike in public transport fares sparked nationwide protests.
President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping were reportedly scheduled to meet at the gathering to discuss a possible “phase one” deal that the two countries were close to finalising.