The escalating financial crisis in Europe has dominated talks leading up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which starts in Perth on Friday.

The main discussions at CHOGM will cover a range of issues including climate change, human rights and food security.

Amy Kelly reports.

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However Europe’s economic crisis continues to be a focus in the lead up to the main discussions.

The Prime Minister Julia Gillard has told the Commonwealth Business Forum, that it’s time for Eurozone leaders to respond to the worsening financial situation.

Julia Gillard, Prime Minister: “More needs to be done, and it needs to be done fast.”

The Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says that what happens in Europe will shape what happens in the rest of the world, and that any EU decisions will influence CHOGM deliberations this weekend.

Kevin Rudd, Foreign Minister: “I think it would be unusual for 50 or so heads of government gathered in Perth, including the Prime Ministers of the UK and others, not to be on the record on the importance of Europe dealing with the crisis with which we’re all too familiar.”

CHOGM officially starts on Friday and will continue through to Sunday.

Amy Kelly, QUT News.