KONGENS LYNGBY, Denmark, July 6 (UPI) -- U.S. President Bush and Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen set up this week's Group of Eight meeting and its focus on African poverty and disease.
Bush and Rasmussen appeared at a news conference Wednesday just before the U.S. president headed to Scotland and the G8 meeting, where conditions in Africa are a central theme. Bush made Denmark his first stop on this European trip to thank the Danes for their support in the war in Iraq.
Rasmussen, who plans an official visit to Africa in October, said he saw five main challenges for the continent -- epidemic diseases, trade, peace, better governance and additional financial aid.
Bush said, "I was proud of my country's tripling of aid to Africa since I've been president. And, as (Rasmussen) mentioned, I proposed to double aid to Africa once again."
The leaders took time Wednesday to mark Bush's 59th birthday. Rasmussen said there had been a small celebration that includes a "traditional Danish birthday breakfast."
"I would strongly recommend the Danish birthday cake," Bush said to laughter.
