May 17, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The governments of Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement after the APEC ministerial meetings on human resources development, education and trade:

“We express our unwavering support for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and are fully committed to helping Korea, as APEC Chair in 2025, deliver a successful host year.

“We are united in our resolve to ensure peace and stability in our region and to uphold international law, recognizing these are preconditions for the inclusive and sustainable economic growth for which we strive.

“We condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year. In addition to causing terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine, Russia’s war is compounding human suffering and contributing to food and energy insecurity across the region and in the world economy.

“Russia’s actions and their economic impacts on the region are contrary to APEC’s vision for an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community for the peace and prosperity of all our people and of future generations.

“Furthermore, Russia’s actions undermine the stability and prosperity that are essential preconditions for advancing economic cooperation.

“APEC meetings provide an important opportunity to discuss these matters and their impacts on our economies.

“Reaffirming the importance of international rules, norms and standards, we call on Russia to end its illegal invasion and work constructively towards a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine.”