G7 concludes with grovelling thanks to Trump despite early departure | Politics | News
The G7 has finally come to an end, after a dramatic few days in Canada that were completely overshadowed by Donald Trump and the Middle East. In the last few minutes, chairman Mark Carney has published the summitโs final summary, which includes grovelling thanks to the US president despite his uncollegiate antics this week.
The concluding statement is also branded the โchairโs summaryโ instead of the typical communique, noting a failure to reach broad agreement on the major issues up for discussion in Kananaskis. While the communique is typically much broader, the seven leaders have instead agreed to six narrower points, ranging from mineral supply chains, AI, quantum technology, wildfires, and migrants. In total the seven joint statements released tonight are just one quarter the length of last yearโs communique, again highlighting the divisions within the group.
There is also an eyebrow-raising agreement on the โfundamental principle of state sovereigntyโ, coming amid demands by Donald Trump for Canada to succeed to the United States as its 51st state.
Despite the US presidentโs decision to quit the summit early, in a major snub to both the host nation and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Chairโs Summary expresses โsupport for President Trumpโs efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraineโ as an olive branch to keep him on side.
While Sir Keir Starmer failed to get support from the US President for his new sanctions on Russia, the statement insists G7 leaders โare resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions.โ
It also reiterates demands for peace and stability in the Middle East, the importance of โunhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of all hostages and an immediate and permanent ceasefireโ.
It takes aim at China and North Korea, slamming the latterโs nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.
The summit also demanded an end to North Koreaโs โcryptocurrency theftsโ.
Sir Keir achieved a win by seeing the inclusion of a resolution to continue collaboration to promote border security and counter migrant smuggling.
Bringing the annual meeting to a close, Canadian premier Mark Carney said the gathering โcan begin a new era of cooperation that promotes long-term resilience over short-term efficiency.โ
At his closing press conference, Mr Carney added: โPresident Trump and I will remain in close contact.โ
