The leaders from the 21-member APEC economies are arriving Chile to discuss strengthening ties and the elimination of trade barriers.

Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong arrived in Santiago on Thursday, meeting Chilean leader, Ricardo Lagos. Also touching down on the same day, New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark, Australian Prime Minister John Howard and South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun arrived Thursday. US President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the summit.

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the Chilean capital of Santiago. Aside from his state visit, he will also attend the 12th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Source: CCTV.com