Buhari heads off to Germany for his first meeting with world leaders at G7 summit

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has left for Germany today to attend his first ever G7 Summit taking place in Bavaria over the next two days after being invited by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

 

In what will be his first meeting with world leaders since being sworn-in on May 29, President Buhari will be meeting with them on the sidelines of the summit. It is expected that he will discuss his government's economic plans with the G7 members in the hope that it will get them to support foreign direct investment.

 

Presidential spokesman Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “The invitation is a clear indication of the international community’s willingness to cooperate with the new government of Nigeria. President Buhari 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 especially with the recent change in government.”

 

Being Africa's largest economy and the world's most populous black nation, Nigeria has been a focal point of Western investment decisions in Africa.  Past presidents Obasanjo, Yar'Adua and Jonathan have all been invited to attend G7 summits over the years.

 

Made up of the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Canada and Italy, the G7 comprises of the world's largest and most industrialised economies. Chancellor Merkel's invitation to President Buhari was handed to him by the German ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Zenner when he went to congratulate him on his election victory last month.