G7 Strengthens Commitment to International Peace
High-Level Meeting Addresses Global Threats
The G7 Foreign Ministers, representing Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union, convened in New York today to reaffirm their unwavering unity in the face of threats to international peace and security.
This crucial gathering emphasized their dedication to fortifying a free and open international order, founded on the principles of the rule of law and upholding the United Nations Charter as the cornerstone of global cooperation.
A Stand Against Unilateral Actions
Resisting Coercion and Force Worldwide
The G7 nations came together to express their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts aimed at altering established territorial statuses through the use of force or coercion, regardless of location. Moreover, they pledged to collaborate closely with all United Nations Member States to reinforce the roles of both the UN Secretary-General and the UN General Assembly.
The ministers also reiterated their commitment to the reform of the UN Security Council and pledged their unwavering support for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They underlined their determination to advance all SDGs, promoting peace and prosperity while balancing the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainable development.
Standing Firm Against Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine
A Continuing Call for Peace
More than a year and a half since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the G7 members remain steadfast in their commitment to support Ukraine. They condemned, in the strongest terms, Russia’s war of aggression and its violation of international law, including the UN Charter.
The ministers expressed their strong disapproval of the increasing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, categorizing indiscriminate and deliberate assaults as war crimes. They demanded Russia’s immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of troops and military equipment from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.
G7 Pledges Ongoing Support to Ukraine
Aid and Commitment to Security
The G7 nations reaffirmed their dedication to providing security, financial, humanitarian, recovery, and reconstruction support to Ukraine. They also declared their intention to collaborate with Ukraine on specific, long-term bilateral security commitments.
In addition, the G7 members pledged to assist in repairing and restoring Ukraine’s civil and critical infrastructure and aiding its domestic reform efforts, particularly in the realms of anti-corruption, the justice system, and the promotion of the rule of law. They celebrated the participation of 29 countries and institutions in these endeavors and encouraged others to join this vital mission.
Rejecting Illegitimate Claims and Supporting Peace Efforts
A Call for a Just and Lasting Peace
The G7 countries unequivocally rejected Russia’s staged “elections” in the illegally occupied territories of Ukraine. Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia oblasts, and Crimea remain integral parts of Ukraine, and the G7 members emphasized that they would never recognize Russia’s illegitimate claims over sovereign Ukrainian territory.
Furthermore, they reiterated their commitment to supporting concrete efforts for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, including the development of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula in alignment with international law.
Condemning Russia’s Threats and Actions
A Focus on Food Security
Russia’s prolonged war of aggression against Ukraine has not only resulted in loss of life and immense suffering but has also jeopardized global access to food and energy. The G7 members strongly condemned Russia’s unwarranted and escalated attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure in the Black Sea and the Danube.
They called on Russia to cease endangering global food security and return to the international framework associated with the UN to resume grain exports from Ukraine. In addition, they reiterated their support for Ukraine’s right to export grain and foodstuffs through various initiatives, including “the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes” and its humanitarian maritime corridor.
The G7 countries are actively collaborating with nations worldwide to enhance global food and energy security, with a focus on building resilience to withstand future shocks.
Condemning Russia’s Nuclear Threats and Actions
Urgent Concerns Over Nuclear Safety
The G7 ministers expressed grave concerns over Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its threat to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus. They made it clear that any use of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons by Russia would result in severe consequences.
The members of the G7 voiced their concern about Russia’s seizure and continued militarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and called on all nations to support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts to enhance nuclear safety and security in Ukraine.
Commitment to Accountability and Sanctions
Pursuing Justice and Sanctions
The G7 members reiterated their commitment to holding those responsible for the conflict accountable, consistent with international law, including by supporting the efforts of international mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court. They also expressed support for exploring the creation of an internationalized tribunal based in Ukraine’s judicial system to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
The G7 nations pledged to maintain and, where appropriate, expand robust sanctions and other restrictions against Russia. They urged third parties to halt any assistance to Russia’s war of aggression or face severe consequences. The G7 countries also reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate efforts to prevent third parties from supplying lethal support, including weapons, to Russia.
Engagement with China
Navigating Relations with a Global Power
The G7 members not only reaffirmed but further stressed the importance of direct engagement with China, as they recognized the compelling need for cooperative efforts in addressing global challenges and common interests. This acknowledgment underscored their readiness to foster constructive and stable relations with China, urging China’s active involvement in international forums dealing with various critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity crises, debt sustainability for vulnerable countries, global health, and macroeconomic stability.
In addition to these imperatives, the G7 countries emphasized the paramount significance of economic resilience. They called for strategies involving de-risking and diversification where deemed necessary. Moreover, they emphasized the absolute necessity of ensuring a level playing field for their workers and companies in their economic interactions with China. Simultaneously, they urged China to adhere meticulously to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Conclusively, the G7 members issued a stern call for China to abstain from activities aimed at undermining the security, safety, democratic institutions, and economic prosperity of their communities, thereby emphasizing the shared responsibility for global stability and cooperation.
A United Stance on the South China Sea
Opposition to Unilateral Actions
The G7 members expressed their deep concern regarding the situation in the East and South China Seas. They maintained a strong opposition to any unilateral endeavors aimed at altering the status quo through coercion or the use of force. In addition, they emphasized the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), highlighting that UNCLOS serves as the overarching framework governing all activities conducted in the world’s oceans and seas.
Furthermore, the G7 countries reiterated their firm stance that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea lack a legal basis. They unequivocally condemned China’s actions, which include the militarization of the region and provocative behavior.
A Call for Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait
Supporting Cross-Strait Resolution
The G7 nations underscored the utmost importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for the well-being of international security and prosperity. Consequently, they advocated for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated their unwavering support for Taiwan’s substantial participation in international organizations.
In alignment with their commitment to maintaining stability, the G7 members reaffirmed their adherence to their respective One China policies and their resolute stance regarding Taiwan.
Addressing Human Rights and Regional Issues
Concerns Over Human Rights
The G7 members expressed concern about human rights violations in China, particularly in Xinjiang and Tibet. They called on China to uphold its commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, which protect rights, freedoms, and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong.
Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Strengthening Regional Relations
The G7 members reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, based on the rule of law, inclusivity, prosperity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights. They emphasized their support for ASEAN centrality and unity, pledging to enhance cooperation with the ASEAN Member States in line with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
The G7 countries also affirmed their partnership with Pacific Island countries, supporting their priorities and needs as outlined in the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. They underscored their commitment to sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and quality infrastructure in partner countries through the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).
Addressing North Korea’s Provocations
A Unified Call for Denuclearization
The G7 members strongly condemned North Korea’s continued expansion of its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its escalation of destabilizing activities.
They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the denuclearization of North Korea. Additionally, they issued a resounding call for North Korea to take immediate steps towards relinquishing its nuclear weapons, discontinuing existing nuclear programs, and terminating any endeavors related to weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.
This abandonment must occur in a manner that is complete, verifiable, and irreversible, aligning meticulously with all pertinent UN Security Council resolutions.
G7 Russia-North Korea Cooperation Concerns
The G7 countries voiced grave concerns regarding Russia-North Korea cooperation, which carries the potential to violate UNSCRs and pose a significant threat to peace and security, not only in the Indo-Pacific region but also on a global scale.
They emphasized the urgency of urging all UN Member States to diligently and comprehensively implement the relevant UNSCRs. Furthermore, they called upon UNSC members to uphold and fulfill their commitments in this critical matter.
The G7 members also deplored North Korea’s systematic human rights violations and called on North Korea to cooperate with the United Nations and comply with its international obligations regarding human rights.
Concerns in the Sahel Region
Commitment to Peace and Stability
The G7 members expressed concern about recent developments in the Sahel region. Furthermore, they strongly condemned the attempted military takeover in Niger and called for the immediate release of President Bazoum, while advocating for a return to constitutional order.
Additionally, the G7 countries reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to fostering peace, stability, and good governance in the region. They underscored the pressing need to address the root causes of instability, including terrorism and irregular migration.
As the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting concludes, their unified stance on global challenges and their resolute commitment to international peace and security reverberate on the world stage. This underscores the paramount importance of collaboration in effectively addressing today’s complex issues.
Sources: THX News & US Department of State.
