Impact of economic crisis in European and US economy, role of Commonwealth in G-20 process, climate change and energy cooperation will be the focus of the discussions at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, CHOGM, beginning in Perth, Australia on Friday.

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, who is leading the Indian delegation will leave New Delhi for Perth tonight for attending the Summit. Among other issues sustainable development, food security and otherpressing issues will also come up for deliberations in the meeting. Setting the tone for discussions, New Delhi has made it clear that it is not in favour of creating a panel to advise the Commonwealth Secretary General on Human Rights issues. Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai told reporters that there is a need to strengthen the existing mechanisms.

Ansari will hold bilateral meetings with several heads of the government to exchange views on the issues of mutual concern and international developments including West Asia, Afghanistan and Libya are expected to come to the table. Our Correspondent covering the summit reports that Australia, hosting the summit, has circulated a theme paper focusing on strengthening the Commonwealth to enable it to play a more effective role in dealing with global challenges. Presently, the 54 member nations are expected to press upon the developed world to address the concerns of emerging economies including dismantling the barriers of protectionism. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in his address to the UN General Assembly has made it clear that economic liberalisation cannot be a-one way traffic and both sides have to cooperate to ensure higher and inclusive growth.