Japan's Shinzo Abe, Australia's John Howard and US President George W Bush in Sydney. Photo / Reuters
Climate change and trade will top the agenda as APEC leaders hold their first full meeting at the Sydney summit this afternoon.
Officials and ministers have been meeting all week, but this weekend the talks ramp up to the highest level.
The final massaging of international diplomacy will
take place in the leaders' retreats.
Australia is hoping to clinch consensus on a so-called 'Sydney Declaration' including a long-term aspirational goal for greenhouse gas reductions.
China is seen as one stumbling block. It backs a statement, but warns the UN should be the top arbiter on climate change action.
Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer says it is tough going.
"If we can get a good declaration out of this, that'll be a very great achievement," he said.
The Japanese Foreign Minister's spokesman, Mitsuo Sakaba, says the declaration must send a clear message.
"If we can put in some specific figures as a kind of vision we think it's better," he said.
Global trade negotiations and the prospect of an Asia-Pacific free trade agreement will also be discussed, but before the weighty talks, the leaders will dress up for the cameras in the traditional APEC photo shoot.
It is yet to be revealed what special Australian attire they will be wearing.
- RADIO AUSTRALIA
