G7 summit in France
The G7 summit in the French resort of Biarritz has ended with a Leaders’ Declaration. This is intended by the heads of state and government to underline their unity. Here is a round-up of the key results.
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G7 leaders with representatives of a number of African states, Australia, Chile and India
Photo: picture alliance / abaca
Trade
In the field of international trade, summit participants declared their unqualified willingness to work for fair and open world trade, and for the stability of the global economy. The G7 intends to overhaul the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address current and future challenges. Intellectual property is to be more effectively protected, unfair trade practices ended and disputes more rapidly resolved. Moreover, the participants at the Biarritz summit agreed to reach an agreement in 2020 to eliminate unfair trade practices.
International conflicts
The G7 leaders agree that Iran should never acquire nuclear weapons, and that peace and stability in the region should be promoted. Initial talks between the representatives of the French and Iranian governments took place in Biarritz. President Donald Trump declared his readiness to open further-reaching direct negotiations soon, and expressly praised the Europeans’ initiative to restore dialogue. Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced a Normandy group meeting to make progress in the Ukraine crisis. The meeting is to be attended by the Presidents of Russia, Ukraine and France, and the Chancellor.
Africa
The French Presidency of this year’s G7 summit turned a spotlight on Africa. President Emmanuel Macron invited the heads of government of a number of African states to take part in consultations. Specifically the focus was on development and promotion options for the Sahel region. G7 representatives aim to address the risk of Islamist terrorism by advancing stability, and providing training, equipment and assistance in the Sahel states. Summit participants also support a truce in Libya that can lead to a long-term ceasefire. Only a political solution can ensure Libya’s lasting stability, they state. This solution should be identified at an international conference that brings together all affected stakeholders.
Under the banner "Reducing inequalities" French President Emmanuel Macron invited G7 leaders to the summit in Biarritz, from 24 to 26 September 2019. As well as the heads of state and government of the G7 states, individual African states, Australia, Chile and India were in Biarritz, while civil society representatives attended selected sessions.