SIRTE, Libya, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) started its 13th summit in Sirte, Libya on Wednesday, with investing in agriculture for economic growth and food security high on the agenda.

Delegates attend the 13th African Union (AU) summit in Sirte, Libya, July 1, 2009. The African Union (AU) started its 13th summit in Sirte, Libya on Wednesday, with investing in agriculture for economic growth and food security high on the agenda. (Xinhua/Zhang Ning) Photo Gallery>>>

    The African leaders are also expected to discuss on strengthening the role of the AU in the prevention, management and resolution of election disputes and violent conflicts in the world's poorest continent.

    Meanwhile, they will explore ways to prevent unconstitutional changes of government and to strengthen the capacity of the AU to deal with such situations.

    The summit in Libya will also focus on the implementation of a decision made in the Ethiopia Summit of AU in February to transform the AU Commission, the executive arm of the pan-African body, into new AU Authority.

    The 13th summit was previously scheduled for July in the Indian Ocean island country of Madagascar. But due to its political stalemate, Madagascar was suspended the AU membership in March and later cancelled the hosting of the three-day summit.

    The AU, established in 2002 to replace the Organization of African Unity that was founded in 1963, aimed at preserving and promoting peace and stability in the African continent, carrying out the strategy of reform and poverty reduction and realizing the development and renewal of Africa.