Leaders of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have begun arriving in Accra for a biennial summit set to discuss a range of development and economic issues facing their nations.

President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan of Suriname, Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Peter Pinda, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare and Vice President Teima Onorio of Kiribati arrived on Monday.

Others, including Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashr, are expected in Accra on Wednesday, state protocol officials have said.

Some 40 Heads of State and governments, and 1,500 participants from 79 countries are expected to attend the Sept. 30-Oct. 3 conference.

Key topics to be discussed are the effects of rising food and fuel prices on developing nations, the impact of climate change, and the state of negotiations of the controversial Economic Partnership Agreements with the European Union.

Formed in 1975, the ACP group now comprises 48 sub-Saharan African countries, 16 Caribbean and 15 Pacific states.

Story By : Agencies [GNA]