"We, the Leaders of the G7, met in Taormina on May 26 – 27, 2017 to address, in a spirit of cooperation, the global challenges we face today and to respond collectively to the greatest concerns of our citizens. Our common endeavour is to build the foundations of renewed trust, both towards our governments and among our countries," says the Leaders' Communiqué.

Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, represented the EU at the summit.

Leaders adopted the final communiqué, the roadmap on gender equity and they agreed an action plan on innovation, skills and labour. They also adopted the G7 Taormina Statement on the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

Foreign policy

Regarding the Syrian war, leaders called for and end of the conflict through an inclusive Syrian-led political process under the auspices of the UN. They committed to increase their efforts to defeat international terrorism in Syria, in particular ISIS/ISIL/Da'esh and al Qaeda.

To this end, the Leaders' communiqué states:

"Six years into the Syrian war, the Syrian people have endured the most tremendous suffering. We believe that there is an opportunity to bring this tragic crisis to an end. No effort should be spared to bring an end to the conflict through an inclusive Syrian-led political process under the auspices of the UN to implement a genuine credible transition in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the Geneva Communiqué. We are determined to increase our efforts to defeat international terrorism in Syria, in particular ISIS/ISIL/Da’esh and al Qaeda. Indeed, it will be impossible to defeat terrorism without a political settlement. All major stakeholders must live up to their international responsibilities. Those with influence over the Syrian regime, in particular Russia and Iran, must do their utmost to use that influence to stop this tragedy, beginning with the enforcement of a real ceasefire, stopping the use of chemical weapons, ensuring safe, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need, and releasing any arbitrarily detained persons, as well as allowing free access to its prisons. To this end, we hope that the Astana agreement can contribute effectively to de-escalating violence. If Russia is prepared to use its influence positively, then we are prepared to work with it in resolving the conflict in Syria, pursuing a political settlement. We are prepared to contribute to the costs of reconstruction, once a credible political transition is firmly underway. We will not engage in stabilization efforts that will support social and demographic engineering."

The G7 addressed the situation in Lybia, urging to advance on the path of political dialogue and national reconciliation.

In addition, leaders condemned North Korea's nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. They called on North Korea to abandon all nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

Leaders also focused on the situation in Ukraine, calling for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. They recalled that the duration of existing sanctions is clearly linked to Russia's complete implementation of these agreements and its respect for Ukraine's sovereignty.

"A sustainable solution to the crisis in Ukraine can only be reached with the full implementation by all sides of their commitments under the Minsk Agreements. We support the endeavors of the Normandy group and commend the multifaceted commitment of the OSCE in order to de-escalate the crisis. We stress the responsibility of the Russian Federation for the conflict and underline the role it needs to play to restore peace and stability. We reiterate our condemnation of the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula, reaffirm our policy of non-recognition, and fully support Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. We recall that the duration of sanctions is clearly linked to Russia’s complete implementation of its commitments in the Minsk Agreements and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Sanctions can be rolled back when Russia meets its commitments. However, we also stand ready to take further restrictive measures in order to increase costs on Russia should its actions so require. We maintain our commitment to assisting Ukraine in implementing its ambitious and yet necessary reform agenda and commend Kiev for its progress to date. Despite our differences with Russia, we are willing to engage with Russia to address regional crises and common challenges when it is in our interest," says the G7 Leaders' Communique.

Global economy

The G7's top priority is to raise global growth to deliver higher living standards and quality jobs. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to use all policy tools, including monetary, fiscal and structural, to achieve strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

Trade

Leaders reiterated their commitment to keep markets open and to fight protectionism, while standing firm against all unfair trade practices. They committed to adopting appropriate policies so that all firms and citizens can make the most of opportunities offered by the global economy.

The G7 called for the removal of all trade-distorting practices so as to foster a truly level playing field. Leaders also stressed the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system, and they committed to working together to improve the functioning of the WTO.

Migration

Leaders called for coordinated efforts at the national and international level to address the large-scale movement of migrants and refugees. They agreed to establish partnerships to help countries create the conditions within their own borders that address the drivers of migration.

They also acknowledged the right of states to control their own borders and to establish policies in their own national interest.

Full text of the G7 Taormina Leaders' Communiqué

Background

The G7 summit is a forum that plays an important role in shaping global responses to global challenges, complementing the global economic coordination carried out by the G20. It brings together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the EU.

Leaders have been meeting in the G7 format since 2014 following the Russian Federation's violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Additional information

Remarks by President Donald Tusk before the G7 summit in Taormina, Italy

Remarks by President Juncker ahead of the G7 Summit

Website of the Italian G7 Presidency 2017