MOSCOW, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Joining efforts in the fight against COVID-19 is the priority for members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
"Of course, joining efforts in the fight against the coronavirus is a priority issue, as Mr. Chairman just said," Putin said in his speech at the 27th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The president emphasized that Russia's efforts on COVID-19 clinical and scientific research as well as progress in vaccine development may be valuable for the country's partners, noting that two vaccines have already been registered in Russia and the third has reached the final stages of testing.
Russia is actively exploring opportunities for the supply and localized production of the vaccines with its foreign partners, Putin said.
APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific. APEC's 21 members aim to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration. Enditem
