The UK will host a summit of Foreign and Development Ministers
from the G7 next month in the city of Liverpool.
Foreign Secretary will welcome counterparts from the US, France, Germany,
Italy, Canada, Japan and the EU over three days, from Friday 10
until Sunday 12 December. The UK is holding the G7 Presidency in
2021 and this is the second in-person gathering of G7 Foreign
Ministers this year, following May’s meeting in London.
Countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will
also attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meetings for the first
time, a sign of the UK’s growing Indo-Pacific tilt. This
attendance builds on the May meeting, which included
representatives from Australia, India, South Korea and South
Africa. These nations collectively represent a broader geographic
spread of countries committed to reforming and safeguarding the
international order in which economies can flourish.
Foreign and Development Ministers will discuss a range of global
issues, including economic resilience post-Covid, global health
and human rights.
The holding of the meeting in Liverpool comes after a series of
global summits around the UK this year, including the COP climate
summit in Glasgow this month, and the G7 Leaders’ Summit hosted
by the PM in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, in June.
Liverpool has been chosen due to its history as an iconic port
city with a global outlook, strong ties around the world, and a
thriving cultural, musical and sporting heritage.
Foreign Secretary said:
“The meeting of G7 Foreign and Development Ministers in Liverpool
next month is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city to the
world, highlighting the best of British culture, commerce and
creativity. I will be hosting our friends and partners to discuss
how we build closer economic, technology and security ties
globally and deliver for the British people. I want us to build a
worldwide network of liberty that advances freedom,
democracy and enterprise and encourages like-minded countries to
work together from a position of strength.
“I was deeply saddened by the awful attack in Liverpool this
month, but the resolve of the people of this great city will
never waver in the face of such atrocities.”
Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, said:
“Liverpool is proud to have been chosen to host this global event
on behalf of the UK government.
“We are a fitting choice given our cultural significance, musical
importance and sporting greatness which attracts visitors from
around the world, as well as our scientific and architectural
innovation.”
, Mayor of the Liverpool City
Region said:
“Liverpool is often described as ‘the world in one city’, so I
can think of no more fitting city to host the G7 Foreign and
Development Ministerial meeting. We are an outward-facing and
welcoming region - and nation - known around the world as a
global leader in sport, culture, music, heritage and so much
more.
“Where we were once leaders of the First Industrial Revolution,
we are pioneers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, leading the
world in digital and green innovation. From the recently launched
Pandemic Institute to revolutionary projects like HyNet and our
own Mersey Tidal Power scheme, there is nowhere that better
embodies the best of our country’s past and an exciting vision
for the future.
“The eyes of the world will be on the Liverpool City Region
during this summit, and we have a fantastic story to tell. While
they’re here, I’m sure that the Foreign and Development Ministers
and the world’s press – like the many, many tourists we attract
every year - won’t be afraid to spend a few pounds in the local
economy!”
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Carden, who is the Gold
Commander in charge of policing the event, said:
“Merseyside Police is committed to ensuring the safety of the G7
conference delegates and the residents of Merseyside. A robust
policing plan has been put in place to ensure that delegates can
enjoy the conference and the city during their visit.
“The force will continue to provide an effective and professional
policing service across Merseyside during the conference.”
The G7 Foreign Ministers will experience first-hand some of
Liverpool’s world-class cultural sites during their visit.
The Museum of Liverpool, on the city’s famous waterfront, will be
the main location for the talks.
Among the ASEAN Foreign Ministers due to attend are those from
Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, which the Foreign Secretary
visited earlier this month.
