OREANDA-NEWS. The summit of G8 Heads of State and Government is underway in Northern Ireland. The Russian delegation at the summit is headed by Vladimir Putin.

The summit addressed key problems in international security, the joint fight against terrorism, IranЎЇs nuclear programme, the situation in Syria, the Middle East, Western and Northern Africa, and cooperation between G8 nations in combatting tax evasion and tax crime.

Following the meeting, the G8 leaders adopted a communiquЁ¦ reflecting the aligned positions of the G8 heads of state and government on the main areas of work, as well as the Lough Erne Declaration.

In addition, a Joint Statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was issued by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the United States of America Barack Obama, and President of the French Republic Fran§гois Hollande on the sidelines of the G8 summit.

During the G8 summit, the President of Russia had a series of bilateral meetings, including with President of France Francois Hollande, President of the United States of America Barack Obama and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. Following talks between Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama, the two leaders adopted joint statements on broadening bilateral cooperation, working together in the fight against terrorism and using information and communication technologies.

Upon completing his work at the summit, Vladimir Putin gave a news conference. The President made a statement and answered questions from journalists.

On January 1, 2014, Russia will take over the rotating presidency in the G8 from the United Kingdom. The next summit will be held in Sochi on June 4-5, 2014.