INTERNATIONAL: The world's wealthiest democracies on Saturday have sought to present a united front against Russian aggression toward Ukraine as Britain hosted a meeting of foreign ministers in the northern English city of Liverpool.
The G7 meeting, attended in person by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts from France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Canada, comes amid international concern that Russia could invade Ukraine. Russia denies planning any attack.
British foreign minister Liz Truss has met Blinken on Friday night where they have expressed deep concern about the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine’s border, Britain's foreign office said in a statement.
It would be a strategic mistake for which there would be serious consequence at any incursion made by Russia. "We need to come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom," Truss told foreign ministers at the start of the meeting.
Ukraine is at the centre of a crisis in East-West relations as it accuses Russia of massing tens of thousands of troops in preparation for a possible large-scale military offensive. While Russia accuses Ukraine and the United States of destabilising behaviour, and has said it needs security guarantees for its own protection.
Truss adds that the G7 meeting is about a show of unity between like-minded major economies, and absolutely show strong stance against aggression, against aggression with respect to Ukraine.
Ministers from the European Union, Australia, South Korea and India will take part in some sessions as guests of the G7, along with representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
During the three-day meeting, foreign and development ministers are expected to discuss a range of global issues, including economic resilience post-COVID, global health, human rights and nuclear talks with Iran.
PHOTO: BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY LIZ TRUSS ARRIVING/JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER YOSHIMASA HAYASHI ARRIVING/US SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN ARRIVING/EUROPEAN UNION HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY JOSEP BORRELL FONTELLES ARRIVING/CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MELANIE JOLY/G7 MEETING IN PROGRESS
