Addis Ababa — President Michael Sata yesterday arrived here to attend the 20th ordinary session of the African Union (AU) summit which opens tomorrow.

The presidential challenger jet carrying the Head of State and his entourage touched down at Bole International Airport at 15:00 hours local time.(16:00 hours Zambian time).

Mr Sata is accompanied by First Lady Christine Kaseba and his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations George Chellah.

On hand to receive the presidential entourage was Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy Alemayehu Tegeru, Zambia's Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba, Education Minister John Phiri, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Effron Lungu and Zambia's Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda.

Mr Sata was driven to Sheraton Addis Hotel where he is lodging.

President Sata is among several Heads of State attending the two-day AU summit.

The First Lady would also be attending the Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLA) General Assembly on the sidelines of the AU Heads of State summit.

The AU summit, among many other issues, would discuss prevailing conflicts on the continent.

Other matters to be tackled include poverty, youth unemployment and health-related issues.