Threats to democracy and human rights at the heart of the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting

Defence Redefined

Published on 04/05/2021 at 16:56

The G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting commenced at noon in London.

It is the first summit of the seven richest countries in the world in two years with physical attendance. The British hosts have taken protective measures against the coronavirus pandemic, as there is limitation in the number of delegation members, the participants’ seats during the sessions are separated with the use of partitions, while everyone has undergone necessary tests.

British Foreign Minister Dominique Raab, wearing a mask, welcomed his counterparts from the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Japan to the Lancaster House. 

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, South Korea and South Africa have also been invited as well as the Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam as Cabinet Chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

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According to the Foreign Office, the summit will discuss geopolitical issues that are considered a threat to democracy and security, freedoms and human rights in the West and elsewhere in the world, such as Russian propaganda, China, Iran’s nuclear program, the crisis in Myanmar, the violence in Ethiopia, the situation in Somalia, the ongoing conflict in Syria, the situation in Libya, Ukraine, Belarus and the Western Balkans.

Climate change, the post-pandemic recovery and trade ties with the Indo-Pacific region are also on the agenda.

Mr Raab said the G7 British presidency was an opportunity for open, democratic societies to come together and show unity at a time when unity is greatly needed.

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Source: CNA