Officials reported a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a conference of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers in the Thai capital on Saturday.
According to a Japanese official, Japan's Trade Minister Koichi Hagiuda and his counterparts from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada boycotted the Bangkok summit to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Because he was not authorized to speak to the press, the official spoke on the condition of anonymity.
New Zealand Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O'Connor walked out "in protest at Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has hampered the region's economic recovery from COVID and made it harder for families in the region to find food on their tables," according to a statement from his office. He left in company."The walkout was confirmed by a US official in Bangkok, but no other information was provided. He specifically requested anonymity. Because the hearings were handled in closed session, there is diplomatic sensitivity about commenting about the occurrence. The United States is represented at the meeting by Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative.Thailand is hosting APEC meetings this year, which include representatives from 21 countries. The two-day meeting of trade ministers will conclude on Sunday.
According to a Southeast Asian diplomat who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the walkout occurred just before Russia's minister for economic development, Maxim Reshetnikov, was ready to give his opening remarks.
The delegates and employees of the five objecting nations walked out together in what appeared to be a premeditated action, he added, and returned once Reshetnikov finished speaking.
Many APEC member countries, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America, have distanced themselves from such initiatives in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Because the war in Ukraine has interrupted supply lines, particularly in the food sector, it has caused enormous trade challenges.
APEC was established in 1989 to promote economic integration and commerce among its members, with the goal of boosting growth.
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