President Nguyen Xuan Phuc. (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Phuc’s attendance is at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

According to a statement, PM Ardern called for the meeting with hopes of seeking immediate steps to address the COVID-19 crisis.

Last month, trade ministers of 21 APEC member economies agreed on a target for quick economic recovery from COVID-19, starting with an acceleration of vaccine distribution.