(Adnkronos) – The Group of Seven “is a crucial platform for allies to discuss major international issues,” Italy’s top diplomat Antonio Tajani said ahead of a two-day G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Charlevoix, Canada which opens on Thursday.
“The G7 is a crucial platform for allies to look at major international issues,” Tajani said a statement.
Tajani stressed the importance of maintaining unity among partners “to provide effective responses and find concrete solutions” to the crises that are currently engulfing the world (most recently an escalating tariffs war).
The Charlevoix meeting will focus on the conflict in Ukraine, providing an opportunity for dialogue with the United States, particularly in light of recent (high-stakes) talks with Ukrainian authorities in Jeddah on Tuesday, said the statement.
After the Jeddah talks, the US said it would immediately lift its pause in intelligence sharing and resume military aid to Ukraine. In return, Ukraine agreed to accept a US proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire in its war with Russia.
“Minister Tajani will emphasise the need to uphold transatlantic unity in pursuit of a just and lasting peace—one that ensures Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty while also safeguarding European security,” the statement underlined.
Another key topic at Charlevoix – the first ministerial meeting under the Canadian presidency – will be the strengthening of the G7 framework, as the group marks its 50th anniversary, according to the statement.
At the meeting, Tajani will highlight Italy’s efforts during its 2024 presidency to revitalise the G7’s role, including by expanding dialogue with other global and regional players, the statement noted.
The situation in the Indo-Pacific – whose stability and prosperity G7 ministers recognise are closely linked to that of Europe and the wider world – developments in the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa are also on the meeting agenda.
“Minister Tajani will propose joint action to support peace and reconstruction in the Middle East, while also underlining the challenges and opportunities presented by Africa. He will stress the need to keep cooperation open with regional and global partners, particularly within the G20 framework,” the statement said.
Tajani will hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the meeting, including with US secretary of state Marco Rubio, Japan’s foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya, Canadian counterpart Méeanie Joly, and European partners, the statement added.
Tajani will wrap up his visit to Canada with a trip to Quebec City, where he is set to hold talks with Italian entrepreneurs operating in Canada, in a meeting that will center on fostering new growth opportunities between Italy and Canada, the statement concluded.
