The Peruvian government has invited U.S. President-elect Barack Obama to a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum this month, Foreign Minister Jose Garcia Belaunde said Thursday.

"We have invited the U.S. president-elect to Peru, but we don't know whether under the current circumstances he could come," Garcia Belaunde said.

He added that at this moment, Obama may mull over the formation of his cabinet and advisors' team to work with him during his administration.

"We made the invitation and we are waiting for an answer. It is important that he will come, but not necessarily to this event," Garcia Belaunde said.

The 16th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Lima, Peru, on Nov. 22-23, when 21 leaders of the member economies are expected to discuss the ongoing global financial turmoil and a plan for a new Asia-Pacific free trade community.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2008)