Thursday saw White House coming out with the announcement that the 17th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting in Singapore, scheduled later this year, will be attended by the US President Barack Obama.

It was forwarded by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, "President Obama will attend the 17th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting in Singapore on November 14-15."

Mr. Gibbs further said that APEC, which is a significant forum, aims at bringing together the dynamic economies of the Pacific Rim. He specified that Singapore is an important partner on a range of regional and global issues.

Mr. Gibbs further continued that President Obama is keen to work with APEC with the aim of encouraging open trade and investment, and supporting economic recovery and sustainable development, apart from discussing main challenges facing the region and the world.

Though Mr. Gibbs said Obama expects to visit other countries during his trip to the region, no names of the countries were given out.

Mr. Gibbs concluded: "Further announcements will be forthcoming when those plans are finalized."