Putin Recieves South Korea's Invitation to APEC Summit

South Korea, the host of this year's APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the forum.

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador at Large Marat Berdyev, a final decision regarding Putin’s participation will be made at a later date, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

"Yes, I can confirm the invitation addressed to the head of state was received," the diplomat said. This is the standard protocol practice and the duty of the hosting side, he noted. Russia will be present at the summit in Korea’s Gyeongju this fall but the decision on the level of the delegation will be made later," the ambassador added.

"Certainly, we will attend the summit. The decision on the level of our representation based on the leadership status of the APEC forum will be made by the Administration of the President on the basis of the analysis of a wide range of circumstances, in particular, the expected productivity of the meeting and conditions for reaching agreements significant for Russia," Berdyev said. "APEC member-economies, including us, normally finalize the decision on this matter just before the event, as is customary," the diplomat said.

The invitation outlines the forum date and its agenda, Berdyev said. Topics related to artificial intelligence, demography and creative sector development will be the focus this year, the Ambassador said. Consideration of the final declaration down the line of APEC Sherpas will start in September, he added.

APEC Sherpas will meet on August 15 in Incheon, the Republic of Korea. The APEC summit under the presidency of the Republic of Korea will be held on October 31 - November 1.