The G7 Apulia Summit was held in Puglia, Italy, from June 13 to 15, 2024. G7 Leaders reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity in addressing global challenges. Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio, building on last year’s G7 Hiroshima Summit, approached the Summit with continued emphasis on upholding the rule of law and strengthening partnerships extending beyond the G7, in particular the Global South, and shared Japan’s position and initiatives on a range of issues.
Leaders attending the G7 Apulia Summit.
In Session 1 of the Summit, entitled “Africa, Climate Change and Development,” Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio touched on the importance of expanding cooperation in line with African voices, including the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), and introduced Japan’s support for Africa through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process. He also stated the necessity of promoting climate change actions in the whole world and the importance of continuing to focus on achieving the SDGs while emphasizing human dignity and human security.
In Session 2, "Middle East," Prime Minister Kishida stressed that it is necessary for all parties concerned to accept the negotiation proposals on the hostage release and ceasefire, and realize an immediate ceasefire, release of the hostages, improvement of the humanitarian situation, and a sustainable ceasefire.
In Session 3, “Ukraine,” Prime Minister Kishida expressed that Japan will continue to strongly promote sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine and introduced Japan’s initiatives.
As the lead speaker at Session 5, “Indo-Pacific and Economic Security,” Prime Minister Kishida comprehensively explained Japan’s view on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, including China. G7 Leaders confirmed to continue working closely together in addressing issues related to China and in dealing with North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. Prime Minister Kishida led discussions on economic security, addressing issues related to overcapacity and responding to economic coercion.
In Session 6, “Artificial Intelligence and Energy / Africa and Mediterranean,” Prime Minister Kishida presented the progress of the Hiroshima AI Process, which was launched in 2023. He also expressed Japan’s intention to utilize all technologies and energy sources including hydrogen to contribute to the global decarbonization. Furthermore, he stated that Japan and Africa would co-create solutions that contribute to the prosperity and transformation of both countries at next year’s TICAD 9.
After those discussions, the Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué was adopted, marking the end of the Summit. (Full text: G7 Leaders’ Communiqué)
Subsequently, the Summit on Peace in Ukraine was held by the Swiss government on June 15. Prime Minister Kishida delivered the following speech at the opening plenary session.
Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio is greeted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy.
Prime Minister Kishida attending Session 1 “Africa, Climate Change, and Development” of the Summit.
