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For security in a tense global situation: G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting near Paris
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Paris: doorstep by Foreign Minister Wadephul prior to the commencement of talks © Photothek Media Lab
Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are dominating the discussions at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting near Paris. Read on to find out more.
The Foreign Ministers of the G7 countries Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States are meeting under the French Presidency at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay near Paris on Thursday and Friday. Amid an increasingly fragile global security situation and the economic risks that this entails, the G7 stands for taking joint responsibility and seeking solutions with determination. It is precisely in such a situation that the G7 is indispensable: as a community of strong democracies, as a forum for open dialogue in a spirit of trust and as an economic motor in times of global crises.
Together for freedom and security
The meeting is focusing on two issues that will play a major role with regard to peace, stability and prosperity in the years to come, namely Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and the war in the Middle East. In addition, the Ministers will address current crises such as in the Sudan, the situation in the Indo-Pacific and global security issues.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine remains the G7’s absolute priority under the French Presidency as Ukraine’s security is our security at the end of the day. This applies to Europe and the North Atlantic. The Ministers will hold intensive discussions on how to achieve a just and lasting peace and how support for Ukraine can be further strengthened and safeguarded in the long term. This involves continuing to increase pressure on Russia. Together with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, the G7 intends to send a clear signal once again that it stands firmly by Ukraine’s side. The threat posed by Russia is the greatest challenge to security and prosperity in Europe.
Foreign Minister Wadephul stated the following prior to the meeting:
We are facing huge security and economic challenges, challenges that directly affect us in particular as the G7 – the world’s largest industrial nations. We need this global cooperation for security, freedom and prosperity. All of us are already feeling the economic impact of the Iranian regime’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in our own countries – with long-term impacts on the global economy that are very difficult to predict. This demonstrates once again how closely intertwined security and prosperity are.
Our goal is clear, and I share my British and French counterparts’ assessment here. We want to prevent further destabilisation, safeguard our economic freedom and develop prospects for an end to the hostilities and for the day after.
The second key issue is our joint support for Ukraine, which we must not allow to crumble now. This would be a strategic mistake with respect to Euro-Atlantic security. Putin must know that anyone who reduces cities in Ukraine to rubble and terrorises the civilian population cannot expect any leniency. Ukraine must be able to rely on the G7.
In focus: the humanitarian system and the Chernobyl Shelter
In times of major humanitarian crises and uncertainties, another key focus of the discussions is the future structure of the humanitarian system and reform efforts with regard to UN peacekeeping missions.
Moreover, repairs to the Chernobyl reactor’s shelter are on the agenda. The facility has not been fully operational since a drone strike in 2025. Without comprehensive repairs, the shelter’s long-term stability and protective functions – and thus the safe containment of the reactor – are in jeopardy. The G7 will discuss this project together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Ukraine. Germany played a key role in mobilising funds during its own G7 Presidency in 2022. The focus today is on assuming responsibility, together with France and our partners, for the long-term safety of the site – also with a view to the 40th anniversary of the nuclear reactor disaster in April 2026.
Joint response to the war in the Middle East
Iran’s role and the situation in the Middle East will feature prominently in the discussions. The Ministers will hone in on efforts to secure maritime routes and shipping, including in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent maritime routes. They will also touch on the stability of energy markets and the security of supply chains, as well as on support for the countries unjustifiably attacked by Iran or by Iranian proxies. The G7 Foreign Ministers recently reaffirmed this in a Joint Statement, underlining their unwavering support for the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the affected partners.
We are already feeling the economic impact of the war in Europe and around the world. The Strait of Hormuz must be made navigable again as soon as possible so that urgently needed supplies of energy and goods can relieve the strain on global markets. The UN is already warning of dramatic shortages, for example with respect to global food security, should this fail to happen. It is absolutely clear that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and further destabilise the region. We are committed to this together with our partners.
Other regional priorities: The Sudan, Haiti and the Indo-Pacific
Those who seek to assume responsibility for international security cannot just focus on crises on their own doorstep. While the Sudan, Haiti and the Indo-Pacific may seem far away, their stability has a direct impact on Europe – from migration and food security to trade routes.
The G7 is an informal forum that also involves other partners. In addition to the member states – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union as an observer – key global partners have also been invited to the meeting near Paris. The Foreign Ministers of Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Ukraine will attend the meeting, as will the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).