In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, June 6, Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said that the invitation was extended to President Buhari, by German Chancellor Angela Merkel even before he was sworn in on May 29th as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"The invitation is a clear indication of the international community's willingness to cooperate with the new government of Nigeria," he said.
He added that President Buhari would not be participating in the main meetings, since Nigeria is not a member of the G7 group.
"He is in a group of seven other Heads of State who were called in as guests. He will equally be holding key side meetings with some of the seven Heads of State who will be convened at the summit.
"The international community is obviously acknowledging Nigeria's significant role in global affairs," Malam Garba said, "especially with the recent change in government."
Mal. Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity)
State House
Abuja
Nigeria