In a significant gathering on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the G7 Foreign Ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the High Representative of the European Union, convened for the first time under Canada’s 2025 Presidency.
The meeting focused on pressing global security issues, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions.
The ministers expressed their unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s ongoing aggression. They emphasized the necessity of achieving a durable peace and ensuring robust security guarantees to prevent any resurgence of conflict.
The G7 reaffirmed its dedication to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, highlighting the importance of a united front in the face of Russian hostilities.
During the meeting, the G7 welcomed the participation of Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and reiterated the group’s significant contributions to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
This includes financial support derived from extraordinary revenues linked to Russian sovereign assets, as well as the imposition of sanctions aimed at holding Russia accountable for its actions.
The ministers indicated that any new sanctions imposed after February would be contingent upon Russia’s willingness to engage in genuine negotiations to end the war.
The G7 also condemned the provision of dual-use assistance to Russia by China and military support from North Korea and Iran, calling for an end to such actions that exacerbated the conflict.
In addition to the situation in Ukraine, the G7 Foreign Ministers addressed various political, security, and humanitarian issues in the Middle East. They underscored the importance of achieving a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, reaffirming their support for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The ministers called for the release of all hostages and the expansion of humanitarian aid to Gaza, while also supporting the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to establish a permanent ceasefire.
The G7 reiterated its condemnation of Hamas and emphasized the need to prevent the group from reconstituting its military capabilities or participating in governance. They acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense in accordance with international law.
The meeting also highlighted the outcomes of the recent International Conference on Syria, hosted by France, where the G7 reaffirmed its commitment to supporting an inclusive political transition in Syria, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The ministers welcomed positive developments in Lebanon, including the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a new government, expressing their commitment to the stability and sovereignty of both Lebanon and Syria.
Iran’s destabilizing actions were another focal point of discussion, with the G7 condemning its rapid advancement of uranium enrichment, support for terrorist organizations, and violations of human rights. The ministers called for a unified approach to counter Iran’s influence in the region.
The G7 Foreign Ministers also addressed security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming their commitment to a free, open, and secure area grounded in the rule of law.
They expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force, particularly in the South China Sea, where they condemned China’s militarization and coercive activities.
Concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs were also raised, with the G7 reiterating their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The ministers demanded that North Korea abandon all nuclear weapons and related programs, emphasizing the need for compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
They expressed alarm over North Korea’s support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, warning of the broader implications for global security.
The G7 Foreign Ministers concluded their discussions by acknowledging other urgent conflicts around the world, including those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Haiti, and Venezuela. They expressed their commitment to addressing these crises and promoting stability in affected regions.
Looking ahead, the G7 Foreign Ministers are set to meet again in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada, from March 12-14, where they will continue their discussions on global security and cooperation.
The outcomes of this meeting underscore the G7’s resolve to work collaboratively in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the international community today.
