G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in Italy: Why is it important?

This meeting assumes great significance amid the increasing tension between Israel and Iran amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. “Continuing tensions between Israel and Iran and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine will dominate the ministers’ agenda,” the statement said.

What is expected at the meeting?

1. Situation in the Middle East

News agency AFP reported that G7 ministers will discuss the situation in the Middle East on Thursday morning. Iran’s latest attack on Israel has heightened tensions in the Middle East region, with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group opening fire along the border with Israel almost every day since the incursion.

An official statement said, “…the search for a meaningful and effective political approach to the solution of ‘two people, two states’ will be one of the topics of discussion.” The meeting will explore ways towards a credible political solution to guarantee peace and security in the region.

2. Sanctions against Iran

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who was hosting the talks, confirmed that ministers were “working” on some form of sanctions against Iran, news agency AFP reported.

Israel’s top ally the US has also vowed to impose more sanctions, including targeting Iran’s missile and drone programs. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also said Brussels was working to extend sanctions against Iran.

Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel last weekend. Iran’s president recently warned that “even the smallest aggression” by Israel would bring a “massive and harsh” response. The Iranian attack was in response to a deadly attack on Iran’s Damascus consulate, which was widely blamed on Israel.

3. State of the Red Sea

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have disrupted global shipping, will also be discussed at the G7 meeting. The Iran-backed Houthis used the war in Gaza as a pretext for missile attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

“G7 foreign ministers will also discuss the tense situation in the Red Sea, particularly focusing on the impact of regional tensions on the security of shipping and trade routes, particularly in the Mediterranean,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Tajani said European foreign ministers want to impose new sanctions on those arming Israel’s enemies and those attacking ships in the Red Sea.

4. Russia-Ukraine War

After discussing the situation in the Red Sea, the leaders will join special guests NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba for talks on the war in Ukraine.

“G7 foreign ministers will discuss support for Ukrainian air defense systems at their meeting in Capri on Wednesday,” a German government spokesman said. “We want to support Kiev’s freedom and independence,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was quoted as saying by AFP.

“The Italian Presidency intends to reaffirm the G7’s solid and all-round support for Kyiv, providing military, political and financial assistance in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

The Italian Presidency intends to “reaffirm the G7’s solid and all-round support for Kyiv (the capital of Ukraine), providing military, political and financial assistance in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace”.

5. Indo Pacific Region

The discussion on Friday will focus on tensions in the Indo-Pacific, before Italy holds a final news conference. “Political balance and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, a priority area for world trade, will also be discussed,” the statement on the G7 website said.

According to the European Parliament, the Indian Ocean hosts some of the world’s fastest growing economies and connects these economies to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Asia-Pacific region, making the Indo-Pacific a region of tremendous geostrategic importance. For more than a decade, China has been expanding its maritime presence and its ambitions in the region and beyond.

Among other topics, the foreign ministers will also discuss “building an equitable partnership with Africa” ​​and key global issues which will include deliberations on “food security, energy security, the fight against climate change, cyber security and artificial intelligence”.

Milestone alert!
Livemint tops charts as fastest growing news website in the world Click here to find out more.

Unlock a world of benefits! From informative newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and personalized newsfeeds – it’s all here, just a click away! log in now!

Published: April 17, 2024, 10:56 PM IST