08 Jul 2009 (newsnet) The G8 summit which opens today in Italy is expected to press rich countries not to cut aid to Africa despite the economic melt down.

The G8 summit which opens today in Italy is expected to press rich countries not to cut aid to Africa despite the economic melt down.   

Speaking to journalists ahead of the summit, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said the meeting will tackle issues of security, justice, health, education, water and sanitation.   

He said development, which is a major theme at the three-day G8 summit, will be broadened to include some African nations such as Ethiopia and Nigeria.   

Meanwhile, a Draft Communiqué G8 leaders plus Brazil, India, China, Mexico and South Africa are also expected to conclude the Doha round of world trade talks successfully in 2010.