G7 Leaders Meet in Canada, Focus on Middle East Crisis & Trump Tariffs

thecekodok


Leaders of some of the world's major economies are expected to arrive in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit, which is taking place in a tense atmosphere following the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing trade dispute triggered by US President Donald Trump.


Israel's attack on Iran, followed by retaliation by Tehran, has sparked international concern and diverted the attention of many world leaders.


It reflects an increasingly uncertain world as Trump seeks to pull the United States out of its role as global 'policeman'.


British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had held talks with Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and several other leaders on efforts to ease regional tensions during his flight to Canada.


Britain has also sent Royal Air Force jets and troops to the Middle East.


He expressed concern about Iran's nuclear program and recognized Israel's right to defend itself. There are significant risks of escalation for the wider region.


As host of the G7 Summit, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has decided not to issue a joint statement or communiqué at the end of the meeting.


The move reflects expectations of significant differences of opinion, particularly amid concerns over US President Donald Trump's trade policies.


With several leaders expected to seize the opportunity to hold direct bilateral talks to persuade Trump to roll back his tariff plans, the summit risks devolving into a series of individual negotiations, rather than the collective understanding that underpins the G7 forum.