BEIJING, June 7 -- Leaders from the Group of Eight nations have kicked off their annual summit near the northern German Baltic resort of Heiligendamm. Climate change is expected to top the agenda over the next two days.

    Host country Germany is doing all it can to secure a post-Kyoto climate change agreement.

    German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the US President ahead of the summit. Merkel has been pushing hard for firm targets on climate change, and is expected to press Geroge W. Bush both on this issue and on the need to fight poverty in Africa.

    Merkel said, "We had a very elaborate discussion on both issues, and I think if we continue to work we have a good chance to reach common ground."

    The Bush administration has finally acknowledged global warming is a serious problem. And Bush says the US will serve as a bridge for the various approaches to dealing with climate change.

    Bush said, "I also come with a strong desire to work with you on a post-Kyoto agreement about how we can achieve major objectives."

    But Washington has so far been unwilling to agree to deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

    Bush will also meet privately with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Germany on Wednesday afternoon.

    French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Tony Blair also joined other leaders for the summit.

    Blair has said he expects to have a "frank conversation" with Putin during the summit.

    (Source: cctv.com)