In their meeting, Obama thanked Lula for Brazil's efforts to seek a diplomatic solution in Honduras that permits President Mel Zelaya - deposed late last month in a military coup - to return to power.

Besides the G8 countries, five leading emerging economies, Brazil, Mexico, China, India, South Africa and Egypt are also participating in the summit.

The G8 Wednesday approved a statement in which the countries pledged to reduce heat-trapping carbon emissions by 80 percent and called on the developing nations to accept a 50 percent reduction.

However, countries like India and China have rejected the emissions cut target proposed by the western countries.