LOUGH ERNE (AA) - G8 Summit started in Northern Ireland Monday which will bring together world's most developed nations.
Major topics to be handled in the summit include ending Syria's civil war, global economy policies, and trade activities as well as dealing with terrorism and taxation.
Hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron, the summit hosts US President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Francois Hollande, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Joseph Harper, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, European Council President Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.
Intense security measures were taken before the summit.
Earlier on Monday protests took place in Ireland's capital Belfast. A group of around 20 demonstrators who wanted to protest against G8 summit were dispersed by police during a speech by US President Barack Obama and some of the protesters were detained.
With difference of opinions between the US and Russia on Syria crisis, a significant decision on the matter is not expected at the end of G8 summit. However, the summit is seen as an opportunity to search for a common ground on Syria.
The meetings between the US and EU on a free trade agreement will start next month, Obama said in a press conference prior to the summit, which he said was expected to make major contribution to both sides.
