On November 11th (local time), foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) gathered for a commemorative photo in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. From left to right in the image are: Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secretary; Jean-Yves Le Drian, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State; Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; and Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The G7 foreign ministers convened on November 11-12 in Ontario to issue a joint statement strongly condemning North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, reaffirming their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in line with UN Security Council resolutions. They expressed serious concern over North Korea’s cryptocurrency thefts and urged North Korea to swiftly resolve the issue of abducted Japanese citizens.
The ministers also condemned military support by North Korea and Iran towards Russia’s war in Ukraine. They labeled China as a “decisive supporter” of Russia, criticizing China’s supply of weapons and dual-use components.
Regarding the Ukraine war, the ministers emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and expressed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, right to existence, freedom, and sovereign independence. They are exploring sanctions against countries and organizations financially supporting Russia’s war efforts.
Targeting China, the ministers reiterated strong opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. The joint statement called for peaceful resolution of issues in the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue and supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.
Regarding the Middle East, the statement welcomed peace initiatives and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The ministers urged Iran to fully comply with UN Security Council resolutions and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and engage in dialogue with the United States.