MANILA, Oct. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will speak on the issue of economic and social development when she attends the 12th annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders in Santiago, Chile, on Nov. 20-21, said Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romuloon Sunday.

    Romulo said that the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) in the Chilean capital will tackle issues including counter-terrorism and the Doha Development Agenda of the World Trade Organization.

    "To balance the leaders' discussion on these areas, the president will articulate the perspective of developing economies like the Philippines," he said.

    "The AELM is an important occasion for the APEC leaders, who represent the most dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss various issues vital to the future of the region," he added.

    The foreign secretary expected human security and regional economic issues -- including counter-terrorism, the development ofsecure trade and control of infectious diseases -- to be two areasof common interest that are expected to be high on the list of topics of the leaders during the summit and ministerial meetings which follow.

    He said that also up for discussion are free trade agreement, the international financial situation, rise in oil prices, transparency and the fight against corruption. Enditem