G7 Foreign Ministers meet in Tokyo, Japan on November 8, 2023. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The G7, which includes the UK, the US, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and Italy, plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global structure and governance. The G7 also gathers the voices and reflects the views and interests of developed countries in solving international security issues and promoting discussions to solve global challenges.

A common view on the Middle East conflict 

One of the positive results of the meeting was reaching a unified stance on the conflict in the Middle East. The G7’s Joint Statement is their second statement on the issue since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. They condemned the attack and the ensuing violence, called for the immediate release of hostages, and emphasized the need for urgent action to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They urged both sides to allow humanitarian aid operations, protect civilians, and comply with international law.

The G7 foreign ministers emphasized the importance of complying with international law in the ongoing Middle East conflict. They promised to work closely with all parties to achieve a long-term, sustainable solution for Gaza, underlining the importance of a two-state solution that guarantees that the Palestinians and the Israelis will live together in peace, security, and mutual recognition.

The G7 foreign ministers reaching a common stance on the Middle East conflict is considered a successful outcome of their meeting. So far, the US has not called for a ceasefire – only a "humanitarian pause" – because, it says, Israel has the right to defend itself.

Japan, the host of the G7 meeting and a close ally of the US, is taking a balanced approach to the conflict. 

At a UN General Assembly vote in October, the US voted against, and France voted in favor of, an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, while Japan, the UK, Italy, Germany, and Canada abstained, suggesting differences of opinion within the G7. 

The G7 Joint Statement demonstrated movement toward a common stance.

Cooperating to solve common challenges

The G7 foreign ministers also agreed on the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order, based on international law, in the Asia-Pacific region. They insisted that unilateral efforts to change the status quo will not be accepted anywhere in the world.

The G7 supported a united ASEAN and cooperation in accordance with ASEAN’s Vision on the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. It agreed on the importance of establishing stable and constructive relations with China and reaffirmed the important role of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in establishing a legal framework for managing all marine activities.

The G7 affirmed its unified stance in imposing sanctions against Russia, while working with international partners to restore peace in Ukraine. It reaffirmed its determination to strengthen cooperation with Central Asian countries to address regional challenges, and promote trade and energy connectivity and sustainable transportation. 

The G7 foreign ministers committed to building international solidarity beyond the G7 bloc to address broader global challenges, such as climate change, nuclear disarmament, and gender equality.

The outcome of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting narrowed the gap between its members on global issues. The international community now expects the G7 to take concrete actions to honor their commitments.