Cameron restates foreign aid pledge
David Cameron has restated his Government's commitment to reaching the United Nations goal of devoting 0.7% of national income to overseas aid as he held his first discussions with African leaders since becoming Prime Minister.
Mr Cameron met Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 10 Downing Street, and is also due to talk by telephone with the presidents of Nigeria and Uganda.
Overseas aid is one of the small number of spending areas to be protected from cuts under the programme for government set out by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition following this month's election.
The programme includes a promise to enshrine in law a commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on overseas aid every year from 2013 onwards.
Following Mr Cameron's meeting with Mr Odinga, a Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister reassured him of his commitment to the UK's strong partnership with Kenya, and his support for vigorous political and economic reform.
"They discussed the importance of the France/Africa Summit next week. The Prime Minister welcomed Kenya's co-operation in confronting the threat of piracy off the coast of Somalia.
"He underlined his personal commitment, and that of his Government, to the 0.7% GDP development target."
The spokesman added: "Later today, the Prime Minister expects to speak to President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda."