President Bush Heads to Sydney

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is opening in Sydney, Australia. President Bush arrives today (following a surprise visit to Iraq). Other world leaders from the Pacific Rim are on their way.

APEC was created in 1989. "This is an annual gathering of the leaders of 21 member economies that make up the world's most dynamic economic region, comprising 56 percent of the world's gross domestic product and half of the world's trade. For the United States, this region is extremely important, as 66 percent of U.S. products go to that region," said a White House official.

Trade, regional economic integration, and global climate change are on the agenda for this week's summit. President Bush will also use the event to meet separately with several leaders including Chinese President Hu Jintao. Here are some good backgrounders on the meeting and key issues:

• Pre-trip press briefing, from the White House

• APEC Home Page

• Australia Ready for APEC Summit, from Voice of America

• More background on U.S.-Asian relations