G8 leaders discuss Afghanistan, Europe, at Camp David

G8 leaders were set to delve into the future of Afghanistan and Europe’s fiscal woes Saturday at this storied presidential retreat during what’s been dubbed the Camp David summit.

U.S. President Barack Obama is hosting Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and two high-ranking European Union officials.

They’re gathered at this remote, leafy compound, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains far from the reach of protesters who have so famously disrupted past meetings.

The future of war-torn Afghanistan and Europe’s financial plight will dominate Saturday’s working sessions. The leaders will gather around tables not much larger than poker tables to encourage full and frank discussions.

Harper, one of the longest-serving leaders at the Camp David summit, arrived on a wave of good news. A new report ranks Canada first when it comes to G8 countries fulfilling pledges made at international summits.

At a two-hour dinner on Friday night to kick off the summit, the leaders discussed Iran, Syria, North Korea and the importance of including women in the political process.

During Saturday’s working sessions, food security in Africa and energy and climate issues will also be on the agenda.

Obama welcomed three fresh faces to the G8. France, Italy and Japan all have new heads of state.

Harper is expected to have a one-on-one chat during the summit with France’s Francois Hollande since Canada and the European Union are working toward a free-trade agreement.

After the working sessions wrap up late Saturday afternoon, some of the leaders — including Harper and Obama — jet off to Chicago for meetings of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

In contrast to the peace and serenity of isolated Camp David, where small numbers of protesters gathered several kilometres away in Thurmont, Md., thousands of demonstrators are expected to greet them in the so-called Windy City.

At both the G8 and NATO summits, Afghanistan’s economic future and security will be a key topic of discussion.

The U.S. doesn’t want to be entirely on the hook for the estimated $4.1 billion it will cost to sustain Afghan security forces when international troops withdraw at the end of 2014.

Australia, Great Britain and Germany have already contributed funds but Canadian officials wouldn’t say in advance of the G8 summit whether Ottawa plans to pony up too.

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