Pacific Rim leaders at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum agreed to increasing coronavirus vaccine access but not to the U.S. hosting the forum in 2023. The 21 countries in attendance discussed a variety of issues, such as vaccine access, climate change and who will host the event in two years, The Associated Press reported. The countries agreed there needed to be more equitable access to the vaccines, improved trade and reduced tariffs for vaccines and medical supplies, expanded vaccine manufacturing, and shared of vaccine production technology. A Southeast Asian delegate discussed the forum with the AP under the condition of anonymity, saying leaders could not reach agreement on the U.S. hosting talks due to opposition from Russia, according to the AP. The delegate said China did not object or offer comment when the U.S. offered to host the future forum.

Source: Forbes November 12, 2021 15:36 UTC