MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. The APEC summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18-19, will allow for the adoption of a substantial package of documents setting the region’s future course, including a joint declaration to be signed by the association’s leaders, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said in an interview with TASS.

"At the Shenzhen summit, a substantial package of documents is expected to be agreed, which, in addition to the leaders’ declaration, will include policy statements outlining the region’s future course on further developing connectivity, the digital economy and artificial intelligence. Intensive negotiations on these documents are already underway," the diplomat noted. "We are seeking to ensure that the agreements reflect our national approaches and best practices in these areas."

The Russian delegation is actively preparing for the upcoming APEC summit, Rudenko pointed out. "Like our Chinese partners, we are interested in the success of this key regional format this year."

According to the Russian deputy foreign minister, the forum’s work under China’s chairmanship is proceeding intensively and constructively. "The agenda includes issues important for the Asia-Pacific region, such as maintaining growth momentum, preserving open markets and promoting innovation," the diplomat said. "The stage of sectoral ministerial conferences is practically complete, with 11 high-level events held across the entire range of practical cooperation areas."

In addition, Rudenko said, decisions have been adopted to ensure "the effective functioning of energy and food markets, cooperation in forestry, bridging the digital divide and combating the spread of protectionism."