G7 makes progress on trade, but remains at odds on climate change

(Baonghean.vn)- Diplomatic sources said on May 27 that leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations pledged to fight against trade protectionism. This is considered a great victory of the conference, overcoming the tough stance of US President Donald Trump, who has always declared his priority of the “America First” policy.

In addition, a bright spot at the conference was the high consensus on hot international issues including Syria and North Korea.

G7 makes progress on trade, but remains at odds over climate change and relations with Russia. Photo: AP

But the US remains isolated from the other six G7 nations over the climate change deal. Washington has demanded more time to decide whether to support the Paris climate accord. Diplomats have been meeting through the night to bridge the gap between the new US administration and its allies, including Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, on thorny issues such as trade, the environment and relations with Russia.

“We finally managed to convince the US to include the fight against protectionism in the final communique, which is due to be released tonight. That is a step forward,” said a European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Of course we want the US to commit, but we need to be realistic,” said a senior French diplomat. “President Trump has engaged in dialogue, asked questions, welcomed debate and stayed in the game.”

Hosted in a luxury hotel overlooking the Mediterranean, Italy hopes the summit will focus on Europe's migration crisis and the plight of its African neighbours. Divisions within the G7 and the deadly Manchester bombing earlier this week have cast a shadow over the summit's agenda, but on the final day, five African leaders joined world powers to discuss the continent's potential.

G7 leaders have their “most challenging” meeting in years. Photo: AP

Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou urged the G7 to take urgent measures to end the crisis in Libya – the starting point for hundreds of thousands of migrants seeking a new life in the “promised land” of Europe.

Another headache for G7 leaders is the imposition of further sanctions on Russia over its involvement in Ukraine. The US president's pledge to mend relations with Moscow raises questions about Washington's commitment to sanctions.

The US president will return to Washington later today, concluding a nine-day trip to the Middle East and Europe – his first foreign trip since taking office. US officials said President Trump had practical conversations with allies in Sicily, and learned a lot – especially on the debate on climate change./.

Lan Ha

(According to Reuters)