Additional aid to Ukraine, the war in Gaza, and investment in Africa will dominate the agenda of the three-day forum.
Bari, Italy – Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries are preparing for a three-day summit in the scenic southern region of Puglia (Apulia).
The summit will commence on Thursday at the lavish Borgo Egnazia resort, known for its medieval village charm and frequented by celebrities like Madonna.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, this year’s summit host, will welcome leaders from the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom, along with representatives from the European Council and European Commission.
Key topics for discussion include support for Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and investment strategies in Africa. Meloni is set to unveil the Mattei Plan, aiming to elevate Italy as an energy hub linking Europe and Africa to stimulate growth on the African continent and reduce immigration to Europe.
The summit is also anticipated to address the crisis in Ukraine, with discussions on a proposed $50 billion loan to Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets in the West. Additionally, the forum will focus on the situation in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Pope Francis will participate in a session on artificial intelligence, marking the first time a pontiff has been invited to a G7 summit. The event will also cover migration, financial matters, and the Asia Pacific scenario.
Overall, the summit aims to outline future policies and demonstrate global priorities through a final statement to be issued on Saturday.