"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] G7 MINISTERIAL MEETING: BUILDING A MORE PEACEFUL AND SECURE WORLD

[Place]
[Date] April 23, 2018
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

Joint statement of foreign and security ministers

Under the theme of "building a more peaceful and secure world," the foreign and security ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, together with European Commissioners in charge of Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship and the Security Union, met jointly in Toronto on April 23, 2018. We discussed collective efforts towards reinforcing democracy by addressing destabilizing behaviour, including interference in countries' democratic systems, including through digital technologies and unacceptable actions.

Among other issues, we discussed Russia and emphasized the need to protect and promote a rules-based international order. We also looked at how best to manage the risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters, and associated travellers. It was noted that special attention must be given to the challenges associated with returning family members, including women and youth. We issued "Toronto Commitments" on defending democracy and managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers.

Commitments

- Defending democracy – Addressing foreign threats

- Managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers

G7 foreign ministers communiqué

G7 foreign ministers gathered in Toronto on April 22 and 23, 2018, to exchange views and coordinate action with respect to building a more peaceful and secure world. Bound together by respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law, they discussed four broad themes: (1) a rules-based international order, (2) non-proliferation and disarmament, (3) transnational threats to security and (4) conflict prevention and support for United Nations efforts and reform. The ministers reaffirmed their belief in open economies, open societies and open governments where diversity is respected and inclusion is valued and embraced.

Read G7 foreign ministers communiqué.

Commitments

- Promoting implementation of international humanitarian law

- The G7 Women, Peace and Security Partnerships Initiative

Annexes

- Chair's report of the meeting of the G7 Ise-Shima Cyber Group

- 2018 G7 statement on non-proliferation and disarmament

Chair's statement: security ministers

On April 23 and 24, 2018, G7 security ministers, together with the members of the European Union and the Secretary General of Interpol, met to develop clear approaches to strengthen our security, protect our values as democratic nations, and work toward the collective goal of building a more peaceful and secure world. As a group of like-minded countries, we want to assure our citizens that we will never compromise their security or freedoms, and we will not sacrifice one for the other. The agreed commitments are a testament to our focus on collaboration and the importance of the G7 as the right forum for that purpose.

Read Chair's statement: security ministers'.

Commitments

- G7 Security Ministers' Commitments Paper

Co-chairs

The Co-chairs set the agenda of the ministerial meeting and deliver a summary of the discussions. The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs chaired the discussion sessions on foreign affairs with her G7 counterparts. The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness chaired the discussions sessions on security with his G7 counterparts. Ministers co-chaired a joint session on April 23rd.