HEILIGENDAMM, June 7 (RIA Novosti) - Youth delegates from G8 member countries discussed climate change, economic development and AIDS with the leaders of the eight industrialized nations Thursday on the second day of the G8 summit in Germany.
J8 representatives, young people aged 14-17, met with leaders of the United States, Russia, Britain, France, Italy, Canada, Japan and Germany on the sidelines of the summit in a German Baltic resort of Heiligendamm. The meeting came as part of ongoing weeklong discussions between young G8 representatives in the Baltic city port of Wismar, which will end this weekend.
During the meeting, the sides highlighted AIDS and poverty in African nations. A Russian delegate to the J8 proposed reducing customs tariffs for African goods.
"For the sake of Africa's development, it is possible to cut custom duties on African imports and support small business," he said, also calling for the development of social infrastructure as a key element for timely medical treatment and education and a way of attracting investment.
He urged G8 nations to support the World Bank's efforts to fight malaria and TB in Africa, and also said education was crucial for improving the situation on the continent. "Professional training is necessary to fight unemployment and provide qualified workforce," he said.
The Russian representative was backed by U.S. President George W. Bush, who said education was essential in the fight against AIDS not only in Africa but also in Latin America.
A representative from Tanzania said "the only way to resolve problems was to give Africa the necessary training." "We must train real specialists," he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the host of the summit, said the problems of the African continent would be discussed in more detail Friday, the final day of the forum. "We must address these problems clearly and in close cooperation with African governments," Merkel said, adding the J8 proposals would be reflected in the final statement.
The proposal to hold J8 meetings was first made at the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Britain, in 2005. Russia developed the idea during its presidency in the group last year.
Delegates for the J8 meeting are selected on a competitive basis. This year, Russia is being represented by young people from the northwestern district.
Following the meeting with the J8, heads of state proceeded to a working luncheon where they discussed global political issues, including Iran's and North Korea's nuclear programs, the Middle East, non-proliferation, Kosovo, and international terrorism.
After the luncheon, the leaders will have bilateral meetings.
