Leaders talk about their APEC experience in Manila

November 20, 2015 - 3:45am

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto takes selfie with a Filipina. Enrique Peña Nieto, Facebook

MANILA, Philippines – High-level representatives of member-economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation visited the Philippines to attend the APEC leaders' meeting, sharing their experiences on social media.

Economic leaders an official representatives were welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III in a dinner where they experienced Filipino hospitality through festive culinary dishes, cultural performances and by wearing our Filipino national costume, the barong Tagalog. Some countries also held bilateral meetings at the sidelines of the event.

As the APEC ends, find out what the economic leaders have to say about the APEC week in the Philippines through their social media posts below.

Chile

The first leader to arrive in the country, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet shared that she participated in the APEC, conducted a state visit, and initiated talks for an agreement between Chile and the Philippines. She also attended academic forums during her visit here.

Esta semana, durante su Visita de Estado a Filipinas y su participación en la Cumbre de Líderes de APEC, la Presidenta...
Posted by Michelle Bachelet on Thursday, November 19, 2015

Singapore

One of the most active APEC leaders in social media was Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong. Lee shared his APEC journey from his flight to his breakfast meeting to their first plenary session, welcome dinner and touring around Manila.

Lee said he saw jeepneys (public transport) plying the roads in Manila. He also met with youth delegates from Singapore who attended the APEC Voices of the Future conference.

The prime minister also shared they wore barong Tagalog and thanked Aquino’s sister Maria Elena Aquino Cruz for their warm hospitality.

Lee found the APEC Summit in Manila truly productive. He even replied to Filipinos who welcomed him in the country.

Had productive meetings at the #APEC Summit in Manila over the past two days. First the leaders of the Trans-Pacific...
Posted by Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday, November 19, 2015

Took this when flying in to Manila for the APEC Summit. The skyscrapers on the skyline are in Makati, the business...
Posted by Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Comment of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also shared his photo with United States President Barack Obama and Akie Abe while they were wearing the traditional Filipino national costume.

Message from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe:I am now visiting Manila in the Philippines to participate in the APEC...
Posted by Prime Minister's Office of Japan on Wednesday, November 18, 2015

United States of America

During Obama’s visit in the Philippines, he reaffirmed ties with the country, and even pledged two ships for the country. The White House photographer captured him during his visit at the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15).

“You can count on the United States,” Obama said.

"The United States has been committed to the security of this region for more than 70 years. We have a treaty...
Posted by The White House on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Foto e Ditës: Presidenti Barack Obama bisedon me Kapitenin Vince Sibala në urën e BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), gjatë...

Posted by U.S. Embassy-Tirana on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Brunei

Obama was also captured by the White House photographer sharing a light moment with Brunei Darussalam’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah while they were wearing barong Tagalog for gala dinner hosted by Aquino.

Foto e Ditës: Presidenti Barack Obama bisedon me Sulltan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei Darussalam, i veshur me këmishë të...
Posted by U.S. Embassy-Tirana on Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Australia

The top official of Australia, Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull, also shared his photo during his first ever meeting with Obama at the sidelines of APEC.

The Asia-Pacific is the most dynamic region in the world - talking to President Barack Obama at #APEC2015
Posted by Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Canada

Meanwhile, one of the leaders dubbed by netizens as an “APEC Hottie,” Prime Minister Justin James Pierre Trudeau also shared his meeting with Barack Obama during the first day of the APEC summit.

Trudeau, a crowd favorite, was pleased to visit the country for the APEC. He also held a bilateral meeting with Aquino.

“The ties that bind our countries together are very strong,” Trudeau said.

“So for me to be able to be here and see [the] beautiful and welcoming country so many of my fellow Canadian citizens call home or original home, is a real pleasure,” he added.

Great to work alongside International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland as we met with President Barack Obama at the APEC summit in Manila. Day 1 is wrapped up. More tomorrow!
Posted by Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Mexico

Another leader dubbed as “APEC Hottie,” Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto shared photos of his state visit in the country where he was seen taking selfies with Filipinos. He also dropped by the Rizal Monument in Manila.

State visit

Posted by Enrique Peña Nieto on Monday, November 16, 2015

Ceremony of deposit of wreath at the Luneta Park

Posted by Enrique Peña Nieto on Monday, November 16, 2015

APEC Meeting

Reunión bilateral con el Excmo. Sr. Malcolm Turnbull, Primer Ministro de Australia.
Posted by Enrique Peña Nieto on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Hong Kong

In his personal Facebook account, Hong Kong's chief executive also shared his experience during the summit. The Hong Kong leader noticed the strict security for Filipinos and the empty roads during his visit.

Leung and his wife even took a photo with APEC Manila’s security personnel and acknowledged them for their hard work.

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung took a photo of empty Metro Manila roads. CY Leung, Facebook

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung wearing the barong Tagalog. CY Leung, Facebook

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung took a photo with APEC security personnel. CY Leung, Facebook

Even the APEC Secretariat Michael Chapnick thanked the country for hosting of the high-level summit.

It's a wrap. To all of our Filipino hosts, maraming salamat po. @apec2015ph pic.twitter.com/71oh77OsBu
— Michael Chapnick (@mchapnick) November 20, 2015