African and European leaders meet Monday in Luanda to strengthen trade relations and discuss key issues including migration and strategic minerals, while the war in Ukraine continues to shape side discussions among European officials.

The summit brings together French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Kenyan President William Ruto, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, at a time when Africa has become a growing arena of competition among the United States, China, and Russia.

On the sidelines of the meeting, European leaders will continue consultations on the U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine, following the G20 Summit held last weekend in South Africa.

A special session on Ukraine is scheduled for Monday morning in Luanda at the invitation of European Council President António Costa, aimed at reviewing ongoing negotiations in Geneva between U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials.