From Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosts US President Barack Obama and the other leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations.
“Common values and views on democracy are what symbolise the G7,” Merkel said yesterday about the group.
The G7 leaders including Britain’s David Cameron, Canada’s Stephen Harper, France’s Francois Hollande, Italy’s Matteo Renzi and Japan’s Shinzo Abe will travel to Germany.
As they meet informally for two days, the world’s political heavyweights “will face an exceptionally broad and demanding agenda,” wrote John Kirton, director of think-tank the G7 Research Group.
“It begins with the political security crisis in Ukraine, the new terrorist shock from Isis in the Middle East, and on-going terrorist threats in Mali, Kenya and elsewhere.”
Also on the agenda will be long-running issues such as the Iranian regime’s nuclear program, the stalled Middle East peace process, and maritime disputes between China and its neighbours, according to Kirton.
Less than one month remains for the negotiators from the P5+1 — made up of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, plus Germany — to reach a deal.
The meeting is regarded as an event in which President Obama will have the opportunity to speak in person with leaders, including British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for the last time before any deal is struck.
President Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi will speak face-to-face Monday at a time when the administration is under fire for its strategy to combat ISIS.
The White House said the meeting would not result in any announcement about new initiatives to combat ISIS, but instead will be an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss “the situation on the ground and our efforts to support the Iraqi security forces,” Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said.
While Iraq is not a member of the G-7, Abadi, along with the presidents of Nigeria and Tunisia, are attending a portion of the meetings dedicated to outreach partners. That meeting will include a discussion about terrorism.
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