New Zealand says APEC 2021 to be virtual summit

WELLINGTON, United States (AFP) — The annual APEC summit of Asia-Pacific leaders will be virtual next year to avoid travel risks associated with the global coronavirus pandemic, 2021 hosts New Zealand said Tuesday. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said holding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit online, instead of in Auckland, was a “pragmatic” response to the crisis. “COVID-19 has seriously impacted how we conduct international diplomacy,” he said in a statement. “Given the current global environment, […]