The Group of the Seven, made up of the most industrialized democracies in the Western world, recently met at the Bari summit where they discussed various international issues. The leaders expressed strong opposition to Iran’s alliance with Russia, as well as concerns about China and Venezuela. They also pledged support for Ukraine, vowing to stand by the country for as long as necessary.
The summit, hosted by Italian Premier Georgia Meloni, saw a notable presence from Pope Francis for the first time. The leaders discussed ethical behavior in the use of Artificial Intelligence and also announced a $50 billion loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets. This move was met with criticism from Vladimir Putin’s regime, labeling it as theft.
The 36-page summit closing document addressed a range of issues, including criticism of China’s trade practices and support for Russia. The leaders also warned Iran about its support for Russia in the Ukraine war, calling for a swift response and coordinated action if Tehran continues to provide assistance.
Additionally, the G7 leaders urged Hamas to accept a ceasefire and called on Israel to limit its military activities in certain regions. The issue of abortion was briefly mentioned, with a reference to universal access to health services for women without specifically using the word.
Overall, the summit reaffirmed the commitment of the G7 countries to uphold their principles and address global challenges through coordinated action.