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Russia hosts Asia-Pacific parliamentary meet
January 27, 2013, 5:20 pm

Wu Bangguo (r), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, is welcomed upon his arrival at Vladivostok, Russia for the Meeting. [Xinhua]

Wu Bangguo (r), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress arrives in Vladivostok. [Xinhua]

Russia will today host the opening of the 21st annual Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Vladivostok, its eastern Maritime capital.

The Forum, which runs to 31 January, will discuss issues such as curbing the illegal drug trade, and the development of international and national laws promoting regional economic integration, growth, innovation, stability, and international security.

According to the APPF website, the deputies and senators from 28 countries will legalise the decisions taken by their heads of state at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum held in Vladivostok last September, which had prioritised to strengthen trade and investment, and regional economic integration, supply chains, food security and innovation.

In a welcome letter sent to delegates, APPF President Valentina Matvienko also said that this year’s summit will feature a round table “Asia Pacific – Europe: New Horizons for Co-operation” and a meeting of the young parliamentarians from the Asia Pacific Region.

Russia is also expected to introduce its region of Siberia for international investment projects.

Meanwhile, Ilias Umakhanov, deputy chairman of Russia’s Federation Council, told the Xinhua Chinese news agency that Beijing has been playing a leading role in widening inter-parliamentary exchanges and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Senior Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo arrived in Vladivostok earlier today.

Source: Agencies