Mahama To Attend Peace And Security Summit In France

President John Dramani Mahama is to join other African heads of state in Paris, France, on Friday for the �lys�e Summit for Peace and Security in Africa. He is attending the two-day summit (December 6-7, 2013) at the invitation of the President of France, Mr Francois Hollande. The French President is quoted as saying that the summit would be devoted to peace, security and the fight against terrorism. Besides the discussions on peace and security, the issue of economic partnership between African countries and France will also feature prominently at the summit. They will also discuss the large-scale use of fossil fuels for industrial activities and their contribution to global warming. President Mahama will participate in the opening session of the summit at the �lys�e Palace in Paris on Friday. Thereafter, he will join other African leaders for a meeting with the French President on the theme: "Peace and Security in Africa" at the Ministerial Conference Centre. On Saturday, the African leaders will also have a discussion with their French host on the theme: "Economic Partnership and Development" and another meeting on the theme: "Climate Change." France has shown increased interest in the peace and security in Africa. For instance, in January 2013, France sent 4,000 troops to Mali to help African-led mission to stop a massive incursion by well-armed combatants, including Tuareg separatists and their Arab allies of various origins, who were keen on establishing an Islamic state in Mali.