(VOVworld) – Economic development, greater investment, and the fight against poverty, diseases, and terrorism are high on the agenda of the 1st US-Africa Leaders Summit, which opened in Washington on Monday.

US will help Africa deal with epidemics. A(Photo: Reuters)

This is an unprecedented meeting between US President Barack Obama and 50 African state leaders. US-Africa relations have improved significantly since Obama’s weeklong visit to Africa last June. The summit reflects a shared determination to strengthen cooperation and seek more opportunities for trade, peace, security, and economic development.

The Obama administration hopes this meeting will help the US increase its influence in Africa where China, Japan, India, and the European Union are doing the same.