Evian: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on June 1 joined world's most powerful leaders in this tightly- guarded French resort for an informal G-8 summit to discuss issues relating to less-developed and developing countries, the fight against international terrorism and ways to shore up a fragile global economy.

In a special gesture, French President Jacques Chirac, who specially invited Vajpayee for the two-day conference, received the Prime Minister near the car in which he arrived to the conference venue, instead of receiving him at the place where he welcomed other dignitaries.

Vajpayee flew to Geneva International Airport by an Air India Special aircraft from St Petersburg, Russia and hopped to Evian on the Franco-Swiss border by a helicopter to participate in the conference being held in the backdrop of lingering trans-atlantic tensions over the war in Iraq.

Among the leaders attending the conference are US President George W Bush, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tony Blair of Britain, Silvio Berlusconi of Italy and Jean Chretien of Canada.

During the meeting, Vajpayee, who is a special invitee from developing nations along with some leaders from G-77, NAM, Africa and top executives from UN and global financial institutions, is expected to emphasise on the need for increased development funds for less developed counties from developed countries.

He would also carry forward India's position on trade issues from Doha Ministerial Meet on World Trade Organisation (WTO). India's views on Kyoto Protocol relating to environment will also be stressed.

PTI