G7/G8

(1) Syria

Regarding the increasingly tense situation in Syria, the G7 Ministers shared the view that they would strengthen cooperation to ensure that chemical weapons never cause harm again, and had lively discussions on how to advance the political process from this difficult situation.

Minister Kishida expressed support for the determination of the U.S. Government that it would never allow the spread and use of chemical weapons, and the understanding that the United States had taken the action in order to avoid further aggravation of the situation.  Minister Kishida stated that Japan would provide humanitarian assistance to the fullest extent possible to all Syrians facing difficulties with a view to advancing the political process. The G7 Ministers agreed that the G7 would strongly demand Russia to cooperate.

(2) Iraq and ISIL

The G7 strongly condemned the attacks and human rights violations being carried out by ISIL, and shared the understanding that countering ISIL was the issue of highest priority in the Middle East. On that basis, the discussions spanned the state of affairs in the Middle East countries. With regard to Iraq, they agreed to call for efforts towards reform and national reconciliation and the stabilization of  liberated areas.

(3) Situation in Asia and maritime security

Minister Kishida explained about the increasingly severe security environment in Asia and other related matters. Regarding North Korea in particular, the G7 members condemned in the strongest terms provocative acts such as nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches that have seen a dramatic rise, and shared the understanding that North Korea's acts as such pose new levels of challenges. Minister Kishida also called for understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and received support.

Furthermore, Minister Kishida discussed the situation in the East and South China Seas and the G7 Ministers agreed to remain concerned about the situation. They also reaffirmed the position of the G7 of emphasizing the rule of law, and affirmed that they would continue to collaborate to raise their voices as the G7 to have the rule of law respected thoroughly.

(4) Ukraine and Russia

With regard to Ukraine, the G7 Ministers reaffirmed that all parties need to fully implement the Minsk Agreements without delay in order to improve the state of affairs. They also discussed the need for dialogue and engagement with Russia, including from the perspective of resolving the state of affairs in Ukraine.

(1) Counter-terrorism

The G7 Ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of acts of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and shared the understanding that countering terrorism and violent extremism remained top priorities for the international community. On this basis, they agreed to support UN activities and other forms of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and shared the view on the importance of cooperation with the private sector, etc.

The G7 Ministers welcomed Japan's ongoing effort to become a State Party of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).

(2) Non-proliferation and disarmament

Given that a large number of civilians had become victims of chemical weapons in Syria, the G7 Ministers shared the understanding that there must never be any use of chemical weapons. They also shared the view that the G7 would call upon Syria to cooperate with the OPCW Fact Finding Mission investigation.

Minister Kishida emphasized that seeking "a world without nuclear weapons" is an unchanging goal shared by the G7 and should be firmly maintained. On that basis, the G7 reaffirmed the understanding that there is no alternative to an inclusive, step-by-step, progressive approach with the cooperation of both nuclear weapon States and non-nuclear weapon States in light of the increasingly severe security environment, including the situation of North Korea.

(3) Cyber

The G7 Ministers shared the view on the importance of an accessible, open, interoperable, reliable, and secure cyberspace, and further deepened discussions concerning the application of existing international law.

The G7 Ministers also had discussions on a wide range of areas including the situation in Africa and human mobility.