President Kufuor's invitation was based on his commitment to good

governance

Accra, June 7, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor's invitation to the G-8 Summit was in recognition of his commitment to good governance and democratic principles.

Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Press Secretary to the President, who made this observation, said it was in addition to his personal contributory role in the pursuit of peace and security in the West Africa Sub-Region and Africa.

This was contained in a statement Mr Agyepong issued in connection with US President George W. Bush's invitation to President Kufuor to attend the Summit.

President Kufuor leaves Accra on Monday for the Summit scheduled for Sea Island, Georgia on June 10.

Other African Leaders invited to the Summit are: President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and Abdulaye Wade of Senegal.

The others are President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and President A. Bouteflika of Algeria.

The statement said the Summit would discuss how to cooperate in the fight against malaria and HIV/AIDS and work together to bring about peace and security and improve foreign direct investment, trade, food security and private sector led agricultural productivity.

The G-8 Summits began in France in 1975 and provide a forum for the major industrial powers of the globe to dilate on global affairs. The last G-8 Summit was held in Evian, France, last year.