Paris: Leaders of the G7 nations have pledged to increase military support for Ukraine, including the provision of additional air defense systems and long-range capabilities. They also expressed support for a US-Iran agreement aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
According to Anadolu Agency, the G7 leaders, in a joint statement at the conclusion of their summit in France, reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They vowed to increase pressure on Russia through additional sanctions targeting the country's oil and gas sectors. The leaders committed to accelerating deliveries of air defense capacities, interceptors, and long-range capabilities to Ukraine and indicated a willingness to extend licenses to boost Ukrainian military production.
Regarding the Middle East, the G7 leaders welcomed the agreement between the US and Iran, describing it as a historic opportunity to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and addressing concerns over its regional and ballistic missile activities. The statement praised US President Donald Trump's role in securing the agreement and indicated that G7 countries were ready to contribute to its implementation.
The leaders also expressed their support for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and endorsed a multinational maritime security initiative led by France and the UK to facilitate the resumption of commercial shipping in the area. They called for a broader diplomatic agreement to address security concerns related to Iran's regional activities.
In Lebanon, the G7 supported efforts by Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah and establish state control over weapons while safeguarding the country's sovereignty. The leaders committed to accelerating humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza and called for an end to violence in the occupied West Bank.
The G7 statement emphasized energy security, with a commitment to diversifying global energy supply routes and increasing strategic energy reserves to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Canada was noted as a potential provider of additional energy supplies to global markets in the future.
Turning to the Indo-Pacific region, the G7 reiterated its support for a free and open region based on international law, opposing unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait. The leaders expressed concern over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, reaffirmed support for the complete denuclearization of North Korea, and called on Pyongyang to resolve longstanding abduction cases.
Lastly, the G7 welcomed efforts to address global economic imbalances, including discussions involving China. The issue is expected to remain a focus during upcoming G20 meetings hosted by the US.