Addis Ababa, Feb.20(ENA)--The 22nd annual Franco -African summit began on Thursday in Paris, France.

Representatives and leaders from 52 African countries including Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zeanwi are attending g the two day session.

Addressing the summit French president Jacques Chirac said it was the desire of his country to renew its commitment to stand alongside the peoples of Africa.

He said France would provide huge development assistance to the African continent that has been ravaged by man made and natural disasters.

The president said more than 40 million Africans have been exposed to drought, adding that it is the responsibility of the international community to provide assistance to the African people affected by natural calamities.

He said France is also committed to support the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), adding that France would also continue to lobby other European countries to support the continent’s development endeavors.

Partisans of the summit are also expected to discuss the spread of HIV/AIDS, development, peace and security as well as the issue of democracy in Africa.

Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Anan told the summit that attention should be given to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the African continent.

He said the United Nations has established a commission charged with a task of dealing with the catastrophic effect of the plague.

It was the interest of the world body to help Africa establish good governance, become self supportive in food grains and achieve economic development objectives.

According to our reporter in Paris, Prime Minister Meles is expected to hold separate talks with president Chirac, African leaders and French businesspersons.

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