The upcoming meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers, hosted by Italy’s top diplomat Antonio Tajani, will focus on efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Tajani emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing these issues, highlighting the unity among the G7 nations in demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and de-escalation between Israel and Iran, as well as their full support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.
However, despite the unified stance of the G7, peace remains elusive in both regions. Israel has resisted calls to halt its offensive in Gaza, while Russia’s momentum in Ukraine has shifted in its favor, with the West struggling to provide sufficient support to Kyiv.
Tajani stressed the significance of backing Ukraine to prevent a Russian victory, emphasizing the need for peace with justice, which entails Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine. He also highlighted the importance of involving China in efforts to bring about peace, acknowledging China’s friendship with Russia.
As Ukraine faces financial strain due to the ongoing war, the United States has proposed utilizing Russian assets held in the West to assist Kyiv, though EU nations are hesitant due to legal concerns. The matter will be discussed further at the full G7 leaders’ summit in June.
The meeting’s agenda includes discussions on Gaza, Iran, the Red Sea, and reinforcing ties with Africa, reflecting Italy’s focus on Africa during its G7 presidency. Tajani emphasized the need for collaboration with African nations to promote economic well-being and prevent mass migration to Europe.
Regarding Asia, the G7 ministers express support for the status quo in China and Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in the region. The meeting aims to address pressing global issues while fostering cooperation among G7 nations and their partners.