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Discussions at the Group of 8 summit in Scotland have been delayed by the London attacks. The annual meeting of leaders from the world's eight most industrialized countries officially opened on Thursday. The focus is on world economic issues, global climate change and poverty relief in Africa. China is joining the talks with four other developing countries. Chinese President Hu Jintao was expected to explain his government's stance on many of the issues.
After their first working session on Thursday, G-8 leaders will hold roundtable talks with five developing countries, namely, China, India, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa. The major topics for the eight-plus-five dialogue are expected to be the global economy and how to deal with climate change.
G8 leaders are also scheduled to hold talks with leaders on Friday from a number of African countries with debt-cancellation and aid to the major topics.
This is the second time that Chinese President Hu Jintao has attended a G-8 plus 5 dialogue, following the ground-breaking meeting two years ago in France.
On the sidelines of the G-8 summit, the Chinese President and British Prime Minister Tony Blair met to discuss the development of bilateral relations and world issues of mutual interest.
Hu Jintao said China is willing to further develop its strategic partnership with Britain. On EU-China relations, Hu Jintao said China hopes to boost trade ties with the bloc. He expressed hope that Britain will play an active role in promoting EU-China ties.
Blair said his government is willing to enhance political dialogue between EU and China. He said he's looking forward to visiting China later this year, for the EU-China leaders' meeting.
Hu Jintao also met with leaders of Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa, who have been invited to the summit. The Chinese President discussed China's stand on the "South-South" cooperation framework, which supports the interests of developing countries, seeking solutions to global issues.
The five leaders were expected to coordinate their stand on issues to be discussed late in the day with G8 leaders.
(CCTV.com July 8, 2005)
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