Hawaii Selected As Host Site For 2011 APEC Meeting

Statement

Hawaii Selected As Host Site For 2011 APEC Meeting

Rep. Neil Abercrombie today issued the following statement on the selection of Honolulu, Hawaii as the site of the 2011 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial and Leaders Meeting--the first APEC summit in the United States since 1993. (President Obama announced the selection at the 2009 APEC meeting in Singapore.)

"Hawaii's selection as the site for the 2011 APEC summit will underscore the unique perspective of our President and state in relation to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). President Obama views APEC as an essential forum that will play a major role in nurturing economic and governmental relationships between the United States and the Asia-Pacific region. The President will be able to speak in personal terms--as no other U.S. President could--about America's commitment to the region because of his ties to Hawaii, our people, and our diversity that is rooted in the history and culture of Asia and the Pacific. He grew up in the cultural milieu of Hawaii, which will demonstrate to APEC members that when they speak to the President of the United States, they are truly speaking to a world leader and American who shares with them a personal understanding and relationship. And, as the host site of the 2011 summit, Hawaii will be able to showcase its heritage, natural beauty and strategic location to a global audience."

Rep. Abercrombie and other members of Hawaii's congressional delegation signed joint letters on June 5, 2009, urging the Obama administration to support Hawaii's bid to host the November 2011 APEC summit.

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