President Putin attends APEC forum before beginning state visit to Thailand

Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending a meeting of leaders and prime ministers from member states of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, or APEC, which is taking place in Bangkok's Ananta Samakom Throne Hall in the afternoon.

Further on, he is taking part in a meeting between leaders of the member states of APEC and members of the APEC Business Advisory Council /ABAC/, which is made up of national business representatives, three from each APEC country.

Every year, the Council sums up the results of its work in a report containing recommendations to the leaders and prime ministers of APEC countries. The report APEC leaders are going to discuss this year is entitled "Harmony in Multiplicity: Attainment of a Balanced and Fair Growth." In the evening, APEC leaders and their wives are meeting with Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.

After a ceremony of taking pictures of the APEC leaders and their wives with the royal couple in the throne room of the Grand Palace Chakri Maha Prasat, Vladimir and Lyudmila Putin will pay a visit to Thailand's Institute of Naval Forces and watch an aquatic show on the river Chao Phraya.

On Tuesday, the APEC leaders and prime ministers will continue negotiating within a narrow format before proclaiming the Declaration of Forum Leaders.

Putin will also have a bilateral meeting with South Korean President No Mu-hyon. After that, he will start the program of his state visit to Thailand.