The Defence Ministers of the G7, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, met in Naples, Italy to reaffirm their support for Ukraine amid escalating conflict in the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine. The ministers expressed a common determination to address security challenges during a time marked by great instability. They stated their intent to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine in the short and long term.
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto highlighted the deteriorated security framework globally, citing the brutal Russian aggressions in Ukraine, the critical situation in the Middle East, instability in sub-Saharan Africa, and tension in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized the divide between countries that uphold international law and democracy and those that disrespect it to achieve their objectives through military force. The meeting was also attended by Josep Borell, the High Representative of the European Union, and Mark Rutte, NATO’s Secretary General.
The joint declaration by the G7 defence chiefs condemned Iran’s ballistic missiles and large-scale attacks against Israel, urging all parties to act in accordance with international law. The ministers also expressed concern over threats to the security of UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon, stressing the importance of protecting them. Security issues in Africa and developments in the Asia-Pacific region were also discussed during the meeting.
Italy, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the G7 for 2024, reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine and addressing global security challenges. The declaration highlighted the importance of upholding international law, democracy, and respect for territorial integrity in the face of escalating conflicts and instability across different regions. The G7 defence ministers expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine and their determination to provide assistance to address security challenges during a time of great uncertainty and instability.
