Leaders from counties that have been suspended from the African Union will not attend the African Union-European Union Summit set to begin on Thursday in Brussels.

Organizers expect some 40 African Heads of State and Government to attend the Summit, but Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, all of which have all been suspended from the bloc due to forceful military takeovers of power, will not have representation.

Leaders are expected to discuss how both continents can build greater prosperity.

The 2022 Summit aims to launch an ambitious Africa-Europe Investment Package, taking into account global challenges such as climate change and the current health crisis.

The leaders will also be expected to hold deliberations on tools and solutions to promote stability and security through a renewed peace and security architecture.

A joint declaration on a joint vision for 2030 is expected to be adopted by the participants.

During the two-day Summit, a series of thematic roundtables will also be organized.