G8 Discusses Ways To Support Economic Recovery

Heads of state and government pose for the family picture at the G8 summit in Huntsville, Ontario on the first day of the gathering.

G8 leaders have been meeting in Canada to discuss how to keep the fragile economic recovery going.

U.S. officials said they agreed at a lake resort north of Toronto that governments should focus on funding stimulus programs and worry about tackling public finances later.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the United States did not take an opposing view on Europe's deficit reduction policy.

The G8 also pledged $5 billion to fight child and maternal illness.

Later today, the G20 -- including rising economic powers India, China, and Brazil -- opens a two-day summit in Toronto.

compiled from agency reports