Tipsheet

Obama's Euro-Tour Update: G-8 Summit in France

President Obama and other world leaders convened for a G8 summit in the seaside town of Deauville, France today to discuss the hot global issues of missile defense, nuclear safety, the Arab Spring, the world economy, and, most especially, how to handle the continuing situation in Libya. Obama met behind closed doors with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan (pledging support for Japan in the wake of March's earthquake), Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (to discuss missile defense, Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, and our "excellent" relationship), and others throughout the day. The G8 leaders are expected to support a package of loan guarantees and financial aid for Egypt and Tunisia, countries that recently overthrew dictators, in an effort to ensure peaceful democratic transitions. Meetings will continue tomorrow before President Obama continues on to Poland.