A summit among the world's eight most powerful countries is set to kick off in the United States.

Among other issues that are expected to dominate discussions, are ways to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction an issue that is also linked to promoting peace on the Korean peninsula.

Leaders of the industrialized world arrived by Sea on the island off the coast of Georgia, United States, to attend the annual Group of 8 summit.

During the 3-day gathering, North Korea's nuclear drive is expected to top the agenda along with issues related to Iraq and soaring crude oil prices.

U.S. officials say, a deal was imminent on a proposal to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, which would suspend all new transfers of uranium enrichment and reprocessing technology for a year.

They added that an expansion of the PSI, or proliferation security initiative is also expected, an initiative introduced by President George W. Bush last year, which seeks to intercept weapons of mass destruction, their components and delivery systems in transit.

7 countries in the international community including South Korea, who didn't join in on the initiative considering relations with North Korea, is also set to take part in the PSI.

During a luncheon meeting prior to the official launch of the summit, leaders of Japan and the U.S. pledged to coordinate and consult with each other the North Korean issue, in order to secure peace on the Korean Peninsula.

They also reiterated intentions to provide the North with financial support and guarantee its security so long as nuclear weapons are dismantled in a verifiable manner.

Analysts here in Seoul are keeping a close watch on the results of the G8 summit ahead of the third round of 6-way talks on North Korea's nuclear ambitions later this month.

Arirang TV