Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
On the sidelines of his participation in the G7 summit in Canada, Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, said, "This G7 summit is taking place at a critical moment. We are facing uncertainty in the global economy and an increasing number of conflicts around the world. We have witnessed the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine. We are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with urgent needs increasing by the day. We are now also facing the conflict between Israel and Iran. At the same time, we also face risks to economic growth, risks fueled by political uncertainty and trade disputes."
Costa explained in his remarks during a press conference on the sidelines of the summit, which were published by the European Union institutions in a statement distributed in Brussels, "Against this backdrop, the G7 has a great responsibility. It must lead with unity and purpose. On the economic front, global imbalances remain a common concern among G7 members, and we are committed to addressing them without compromising free and fair trade, which has brought prosperity to our countries and lifted millions out of poverty over the years." We must work to overcome trade tensions, encourage investment, and promote sustainable growth. This is our duty and our commitment.
The G7's role is also essential in addressing the many geopolitical challenges. We must intensify our efforts in the Middle East. Iran must be prevented from developing nuclear weapons. This issue must be addressed diplomatically. This is the time to make room for diplomacy and create an opportunity for de-escalation between Israel and Iran. Furthermore, we cannot forget the importance of ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza, an immediate ceasefire, and the unconditional release of the remaining hostages. Finally, we must continue our collective resolve to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, support the US-led peace efforts, and ensure they have the best chance of success. We must also create the conditions for a lasting peace, including long-term security guarantees, continue military and financial support to Ukraine, strengthen its defense, deter future aggression, and enable rapid reconstruction. We must also increase pressure on Russia, imposing additional sanctions to cripple its ability to wage war and pushing for an unconditional ceasefire. The G7 plays a fundamental role in coordinating global diplomatic and economic efforts. I hope that the frank and open discussions we will have here in Kananaskis, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Carney, will enable the G7 to fulfill its role in restoring stability, paving the way for lasting peace and economic growth.
The G7 Summit will be held from June 15 to 17, 2025. Hosted by Canada, as the rotating G7 Presidency, this summit brings together leaders from the G7 nations, as well as the European Union and other invited countries, to discuss pressing global issues, including international peace and security, the global economic outlook, and energy security.
During the seven scheduled sessions, the summit will affirm the leaders' commitment to collective action in support of Ukraine, the rules-based international order, and the promotion of economic security and resilience. The summit is also expected to address pressing global concerns, including energy security, protecting societies from climate disasters, cyber threats, and foreign interference. Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region, will also be discussed. The seven countries are: the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These countries dominate global trade and the international financial system and serve as an international political and governmental forum for discussing important economic and political issues.