Malaysian PM Najib arrives in Manila for APEC meeting

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak touched down in Manila on Tuesday afternoon for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on November 18 and 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

 

He arrived with his delegation a few minutes before 2 p.m. and was greeted by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and Sec. Teresita "Ging" Deles.  

 

OPAPP Sec. Ging Deles welcomes Malaysian PM Najib Razak. #APEC2015 via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/ERaGyeI2y7

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 17, 2015

 

Prior to the APEC Summit, Najib underscored the importance of integrating science and technology into government policy-making to improve environmental protection and security during a forum of APEC member economies' Chief Science Advisors in Kuala Lumpur last week. 

 

"Science diplomacy has never been more important. Many of the defining challenges of the 21st century—most notably climate change, food and water security, energy security, poverty alleviation and health—have scientific dimensions of increasing complexity," he said. 

 

Najib also urged for greater scientific cooperation in the region to address cross-border threats and support sustainable and inclusive development.  

 

Malaysia is also set to host the ASEAN Summit to be held on November 18 to 22 in Kuala Lumpur. 

 

Aside from Najib, APEC leaders of Japan, China, United States, and Philippines will then head to Malaysia for the event. —Trisha Macas/KG, GMA News