Leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) kicked off their summit meeting focused on nuclear safety, the situation in the Arab world and partnership with Africa?in France?on Thursday.

After welcoming all heads of states and governments, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France chairing both G8 and G20 this year, hosts a working lunch themed on "Solidarity with Japan and Global Economy."

According to the published G8 agenda, the eight richest countries of the world will highlight lessons to be drawn from Japan's Fukushima nuclear crisis, global economy, regional political and security issues.

While outside the agenda, the eurozone sovereign debt and a successor to head the International Monetary Fund are widely expected to dominate the two-day talks.