World leaders in traditional dress at APEC gatherings

World leaders will be gathering in Beijing this week for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which begins on Nov 10.

The leaders, such as US President Barack Obama, China President Xi Jinping, and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will meet to discuss a wide range of issues, including the global economy, world trade and connectivity, the Ebola pandemic and the Islamic State.

Other than serious issues, over the years, the APEC gatherings have also become well-known for its yearly photoshoots, which feature the heads of states donning traditional costumes or the national dress of the host nation.

Check out the gallery below to see what the world leaders have worn at the APEC summits over the years.

seanyap@sph.com.sg