Leaders from nearly 50 countries have gathered in Yerevan, Armenia, for the 8th European Political Community Summit.

Participating heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations, began arriving Monday morning at the summit venue, the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex, The Caspian Post reports, citing Armenian media.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is among the attendees. His participation marks the first time a non-European country has taken part in the meeting.

The summit will be co-chaired by Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, and António Costa, President of the European Council.