Heads of state and government as well as their representatives from 53 African Union (AU) members are gathering in Sirte to attend the 5th AU summit.

During the two-day meeting on Monday and Tuesday, delegates will discuss issues like regional conflicts in Africa, the continent's development and debt cancellation, as well as Libya's proposal on AU construction.

In addition, the leaders, who are to be joined by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, are also expected to discuss the UN reform, seeking two permanent seats to Africa.

The AU, consisting of 53 members and modeled on the European Union, was launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity.

Source: Xinhua