The G7 summit in the beautiful Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, kicked off with high energy and sharp disagreements. On Monday, while discussions ranged from the global economy to energy security, a dramatic moment unfolded when U.S. President Donald Trump decided to leave the summit a day early. Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Trump explained, "I have to be back, very important," hinting at the urgency of evolving Middle East tensions. 😊
Leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were working hard to forge a united stance on the volatile situation. However, Trump's refusal to endorse a joint statement calling for de-escalation set the stage for an immediate split among the attendees. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa insisted on Israel's right to defend itself, while emphasizing that Iran must not acquire nuclear capabilities.
Trade issues also heated up discussions. In a candid exchange with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump remarked, "I have a tariff concept and Mark has a different concept," underscoring diverging ideas on how best to manage trade and security. Despite the differences, Trump successfully sealed a trade deal with the UK, promising to boost jobs and income through reduced tariffs. 💼
Adding a twist to the summit’s narrative, Trump even critiqued the decision to exclude Russia from the G8, suggesting that the current conflicts might have been avoided if Russia had remained part of the conversation. Although the meeting was trimmed down to two days, the debates made it clear that both diplomatic and economic strategies are reshaping discussions on the global stage.
This summit has been as dramatic as a blockbuster, with heated talks, bold statements, and a mix of diplomacy that left everyone eager for the next chapter in international relations. Stay tuned as these global debates continue to unfold!
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Trump leaves G7 summit early, splits emerge on Israel-Iran and trade
cgtn.com
