Harper invites ten nations' leaders to attend G-8 Summit in Canada

"The G-8 has a long tradition of developing credible solutions to global challenges in partnership with Africa and others in the international community," said Harper in an announcement released Monday.

"At this year's Summit, we will be engaging African leaders as well as key hemispheric partners in order to broaden representation and maximize results on international development and peace and security issues."

To ensure an informed global perspective, Canada has also engaged in extensive consultations and outreach efforts in the lead up to the G-8 Summit at the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, and G-20 Toronto Summit at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario, from June 26 to 27.

The G-8 is a forum for leaders of the world's most industrialized nations. It is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union also participates in the G-8 summits, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com