HAMILTON, Canada
A three-day G7 foreign ministers meeting began Thursday in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, with "peace and stability" being a priority on the agenda.
"As we mark the 50 years of G7 cooperation, I cannot find a better time for us to host this important meeting," Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in opening remarks, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present.
Joly highlighted the G7's collective efforts in recent years, citing the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, defending Ukraine's sovereignty and countering foreign interference.
"We've worked together also to champion human rights, democracy and the protection of vulnerable communities from violence and persecution around the world," she said.
Addressing key topics of discussion, Joly stated that "of course, peace and stability is on the top of our agenda, and I look forward to discussing how we can continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal aggression. And we will want to see just and lasting peace in Ukraine."
Joly outlined the agenda, which includes addressing geopolitical tensions and maritime security concerns.
She emphasized the need for long-term stability in other regions, including the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific and Africa.
Highlighting the role of the meeting in shaping global solutions, Joly underscored the challenges linked to maritime security.
She also pointed to rising tensions in key maritime regions. "I want to make sure also that we look at the issue of growing strategic contestation in the Red Sea, in the South and East China Seas, and the Taiwan Strait," she said.
The G7 is an informal forum that brings together Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US.