Informal G7 Foreign ministers'meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations general Assembly

Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, invited the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, Italy, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, to meet on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 81^st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

As Ukraine is a priority for the French G7 Presidency, the invitation extended to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister provided an opportunity for G7 representatives to reaffirm their unwavering support to Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Discussions focused on strengthening financial and military support to Ukraine, particularly in terms of air defense; energy resilience, to help it get through the coming winter; stepping up the pressure on Russia’s war economy; and the disastrous effects on global food security caused by Russia's campaign targeting Ukrainian grain exports transiting across the Black Sea.

The G7 representatives also spoke about the situation in the Middle East, particularly the importance of restoring freedom of navigation. A G7 Statement on Bab al-Mandab and Navigational Rights and Freedoms was endorsed by the Ministers on the occasion.

Other major international issues were also addressed, including the situations in North Korea, and the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, founded on the rule of law.

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Noël Barrot, invited his counterparts to the second formal G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting under the French Presidency, which will be held in Marseille on 9 and 10 November 2026.

Photo : Philemon Henry