The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) summit kicked off its two-day run on Friday in Gyeongju.

President Lee Jae Myung, as APEC chair, welcomed the leaders of member nations and officially opened the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

The summit will span two plenary sessions and a dinner.

Lee participated in the first session, themed “Toward a More Connected and Resilient World,” which focused on trade cooperation and mutual investment amid growing protectionism.

In addition to representatives from the 21 member economies, attendees included Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, and Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

Following the session, Lee attended a luncheon with members of the APEC Business Advisory Council. In the evening, he will host a welcome dinner for APEC leaders, business representatives and other distinguished guests.