PARIS - Irish rock star Bono and French President Jacques Chirac will meet Thursday to talk about Africa, the developing world and an upcoming summit of industrialized nations.

The U2 singer and activist, who recently accompanied U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill on a 12-day tour of Africa to press for debt relief and more aid, is expected to meet the French leader at the presidential Elysee Palace, Chirac’s office said.

A new development plan for Africa will be a chief focus of the June 26-27 Group of Eight meeting in Canada. That program offers a package of trade and aid help for Africa, coupled with assistance in ending civil wars and improving governance across the continent.

- AP

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