Africa on top of G8 summit agenda

Gavin Cordon

The Middle East peace process is also expected to feature on the official agenda.

After the formalities of the arrivals today, the opening session tomorrow will concentrate on climate change and the global economy, with British Prime Minister Tony Blair seeking agreement on an action plan for reducing damaging greenhouse gas emissions.

As well as the G8 leaders, Mr Blair has invited the leaders of five of the world's emerging economies China, India, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa to take part in the discussion.

On Friday, the focus will move to Africa and Mr Blair's so-called "Marshall Plan" for the continent to boost aid, write off debt and open up world markets to African producers.

Again the session will be augmented, with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, the leaders of South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal and Algeria, and the heads of the IMF and the World Bank joining in.