Joe Biden and Xi Jinping will join other world leaders later today for a special summit. The emergency virtual meeting will focus on improving the response to the pandemic in the Asia-Pacific region

The New Zealand Prime Minister – who’s hosting the meeting – says “nobody is safe until everyone is safe”.

Which is why Jacinda Ardern says this virtual gathering of world leaders is so important… with a focus on improving regional efforts to overcome the coronavirus crisis.

Why is New Zealand hosting an emergency meeting – featuring so many prominent world leaders

Well the nation is this year’s APEC host – and is chairing an online summit of leaders from the Asia Pacific trade group at the end of the year.

Jacinda Ardern says the extraordinary circumstances created by the pandemic warrants an additional meeting.

The Kiwi leaders says”It’s a unique opportunity to get APEC leaders together to discuss how we get our region through the health crisis and accelerate economic recovery”

Ardern says she will be inviting discussion on immediate measures to achieve more coordinated regional action to assist recovery, as well as steps that will support inclusive and sustainable growth over the long term”

APEC is made up of 21 member countries.

Among those attending the special summit – Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Jo Biden.

The virtual meeting of leaders is set to run for two hours. No major announcements are expected.