Heads of state and other representatives from 11 African countries are gathering in Kenya's capital this week for their Great Lakes conference. The leaders are expected to sign a pact that sets out plans to increase security, stability, and development in the area. Cathy Majtenyi reports for VOA from Nairobi.

Today, the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors discussed a new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Azerbaijan. The Country Partnership Strategy is a central document defining the World Bank Group's support to Azerbaijan to meet the country's key development challenges, including reducing poverty, modernizing infrastructure, and improving governance and social services. The CPS guides all Bank operations in the country - lending, analytical work and technical assistance.