Key confident of progress as APEC wraps up

As John Key's last day at APEC wraps up, he is confident progress is being made at the summit, even if it can’t be seen.

The Prime Minister met with the leaders of Russia and Chile yesterday, and with the Mexican president this morning.

The global economy continues to cast a shadow over progress in trade talks.

Mr Key says it’s clear it will help if the Trans Pacific Partnership talks can be completed.

 "That is seen as something that is not financially costly, but likely to stimulate growth. That's certainly why a number of leaders have said to me, they want to see progress on TPP, and sooner as opposed to later."

Key is saying nothing about what the Russian President told him about his plans for dealing with the Syrian situation.

He headed into his meeting with Vladmir Putin yesterday, promising to ask why he's vetoed UN Security Council proposals on Syria.

He emerged with the view Mr Putin isn't blind to the issues – but has a different view of what to do about them.

"All I can say is he's acutely aware of the issue, and he's committed to trying to resolve it. It's definitely a different pathway to the way others are thinking about it."

The much hyped meeting ended up starting two hours late, and was under 20 minutes long. But Key says it's a good sign it still went ahead.

We are no closer to a free trade deal with Russia, but the Prime Minister says it's still gaining momentum, and the two countries are heading down the right path.

Photo: Getty Images