LONDON (UK) – The government has announced plans to host the first in-person meeting of the G7 in two years in June. It has also invited leaders of the developed economies to a scenic seaside village in Cornwall to hold talks on ways to rebuild the economy and tackle climate change.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wishes to use Britain’s presidency of the G7 to bring about a consensus that the global economy must recover from the crisis caused by the pandemic in a pro-free trade and sustainable manner.
“Coronavirus is doubtless the most destructive force we have seen for generations and the greatest test of the modern world order we have experienced,” Johnson said in a statement. “It is only right that we approach the challenge of building back better by uniting with a spirit of openness to create a better future.”
The pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s G7 summit, which was due to be hosted by US President Donald Trump. The leaders of the leading economies of the world such as Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, the European Union and Canada have not held talks in person since the 2019 summit in Biarritz, France.
According to the Sunday Telegraph, the government hopes the forthcoming summit will be the occasion for US President-elect Joe Biden to make a trip to Europe for the first time after he assumes office.
“I don’t think he will visit anywhere else before the G7, except possibly Canada,” said the newspaper quoting a government source.
The prime minister has also invited the leaders of Australia, India and South Korea to the meeting, which is to take place in the picturesque resort of Carbis Bay in Cornwall famous for its beaches and surfing.
“Two hundred years ago, Cornwall’s tin and copper mines were at the heart of the UK’s industrial revolution and this summer Cornwall will again be the nucleus of great global change and advancement,” the prime minister said.