President Bush says discussions at next week's G8 summit in Scotland,

President Bush speaks in Meyer Auditorium at Freer Gallery in Washington on the upcoming G8 Summit

though focusing on aid to Africa, will also include discussion of other world issues.

In a meeting with reporters from VOA and other news organizations, Mr. Bush stressed the importance of agenda items such as Iraq, the environment and the Middle East. He said the leaders of the world's seven major industrial countries and Russia believe that with joint action, they also can make a difference in dealing with diseases such as malaria and AIDS.

He said participants will also review issues important to the European Union. He noted the importance of U.S.-European trade and stressed America's desire to see Europe succeed as a continent that is free, whole at peace and growing.