In a world dominated by diverse crises and new challenges, close cooperation between the democracies with the strongest economies and their partners is crucial in order to safeguard freedom and prosperity. The G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Paris will focus on urgent global issues such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the crisis in the Middle East and the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence.

Foreign Minister Wadephul will meet the G7 Foreign Ministers, as well as the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Korea, in Paris today. The Director of the World Food Programme has also been invited.

The talks will centre primarily on joint solutions to global challenges and crises. These of course include the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and joint support for the country. The crises in the Middle East and their impact on the security of important trade and shipping routes are also on the agenda. In addition, the Foreign Ministers will discuss the effects of artificial intelligence on peace and security.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said prior to his departure:

Ukraine: Strengthening support and maintaining pressure on Russia

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine remains at the top of the G7 agenda. With its ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Russia is violating fundamental principles of the international order. Through its conduct, it is not only harming the people in Ukraine and itself, but is also undermining the foundations of international cooperation, security and prosperity. Against this backdrop, the democracies with the world’s strongest economies have a direct interest in putting a stop to Russian hostility. The Foreign Ministers want to discuss ways of upholding and further strengthening international support for Ukraine. These discussions will include economic topics as well as political and diplomatic measures. The attendance of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister will provide the opportunity to directly take Kyiv’s perspective into consideration during the talks.

The goal is to jointly maintain the pressure on Moscow to take serious steps to bring about a just peace. The sanctions that are in place remain an important instrument. In this context, a particular focus is being placed on constraining Russia’s shadow fleet. This is a network of ships that Russia is using among other things to circumvent international sanctions and continue its oil exports.

Middle East: De-escalating conflicts and securing international trade routes

Another central topic of the meeting will be the tense situation in the Middle East. The situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories is on the agenda, as are the developments in Iran, Yemen, Lebanon and Syria. The situation at the Horn of Africa and the ongoing crisis in the Sudan will be a further subject under discussion.

The various conflicts are closely interconnected and in some cases have an impact far beyond the region concerned. That applies particularly to the security of international trade and shipping routes. The central issue here is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important shipping routes for the global energy trade. The security situation in the Red Sea and the activities of armed groups in the region likewise play a central role in this context. An escalation of tensions in the region could have significant consequences for the international energy supply, transport costs and the stability of the global economy.

The G7 states therefore have the task of supporting diplomatic solutions, coordinating humanitarian assistance and striving to achieve de-escalation. The participation of the Egyptian and Saudi Foreign Ministers will create an opportunity for dialogue with crucial regional players.

Artificial intelligence: Working together to grasp opportunities and reduce risks

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in peace and international security will be another subject of the Foreign Ministers’ discussions, alongside the ongoing wars and conflicts.

Although new AI applications open up opportunities for economic and scientific progress, they also harbour considerable risks. The G7 countries must grapple with the question of how common rules and international standards can be developed in order to ensure that the technology is used responsibly. The aim is to facilitate technological innovation without jeopardising international stability, security and social cohesion.

The talks in Paris will provide an opportunity to integrate differing national approaches and discuss joint guardrails for the use of AI.