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One of the most important operating principles of APEC cooperation that was defined clearly in the Seoul Declaration (1991). It is based on the “commitment to open dialogue and consensus-building, with equal respect for the views of all participants”. Unlike the WTO/GATT, decisions made within APEC are reached by consensus. All meetings, from APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to Minister-level Meeting or Official-level Meeting, are informal and undertaken on a voluntary basis. As a result, members are not involved in treaty obligations. All decisions made by Economic Leaders and Ministers are outlined in the Declaration that reflects the common determination of all members.