G7 urged to take action against democratic threats

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is urging the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers to take action against democratic threats, including relations with Russia and China.

In the first major in-person diplomatic gathering since the pandemic began, and the first gathering of G7 Foreign Ministers since 2019, the Foreign Secretary will outline his vision for cooperation between the G7 and the nations of the Indo-Pacific region to develop stronger trade ties, ensure stability and tackle climate change.

The initial discussions will cover the coup in Myanmar, with the Foreign Secretary expected urge G7 nations to take stronger action against the military junta. Also set for discussion is the situation in Libya, and the ongoing war in Syria.

However, most notably, the foreign ministers will discuss Russia’s ongoing malign activity including through the build-up of troops on the border with Ukraine, and its imprisonment of opposition figure Alexei Navalny and the situation in Belarus.

Raab said: “The UK’s presidency of the G7 is an opportunity to bring together open, democratic societies and demonstrate unity at a time when it is much needed to tackle shared challenges and rising threats. The addition of our friends from Australia, India, the Republic of Korea and South Africa, as well as the chair of ASEAN reflects the growing significance of the Indo Pacific region for the G7.”

The G7 includes the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the EU.