G7 Foreign ministers meet Monday near Rome for two days of talks with their regional counterparts on the Middle Eastbefore turning to Russia and the war In Ukraine.

The Group of Seven ministers will also discuss the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Hamas military leader, “as well as the possible effects on the current crises in Lebanon and Gaza,” the Italian Foreign Ministry said.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will take part in the discussions in Fiuggi and Anagni alongside ministers from other G7 countries, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, France And Japanhosted by the Italian Antonio Tajani.

The first session on Monday afternoon will be devoted to the situation in the Middle East and Red Seaincluding efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

A session will bring together ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, JordanTHE United Arab Emirates And Qataras well as the general secretary of Arab LeagueRome said.

“We requested the presence of partners in the region to promote dialogue with G7 members,” Tajani said in a statement.

“Only together can we find concrete solutions that can bring peace and stability to the region. »

On Tuesday, during the second day of negotiations, discussions will focus on Ukraine, in the presence of the war-torn country’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga.

Officials will discuss ways to continue supporting Kyivprospects for peace and initiatives for future reconstruction, Rome said.

The same day at Brusselsambassadors of NATO The two countries and Ukraine will hold discussions on Russia’s firing of an experimental intermediate-range hypersonic missile.

Tensions in the Asia-Pacific region are also on the agenda of the G7 meeting, and the Italians have invited foreign ministers from South Korea, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

G7 ministers are also expected to discuss the ongoing crises in Haiti and Sudanas well as the political situation in Venezuela.

The ICC on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as well as Hamas’ Mohammed Deif in response to accusations of crimes against humanity And war crimes in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, triggered by the attack by the Palestinian militant group on October 7, 2023.

Israel and its allies denounced the decision, but it was welcomed by Türkiye and rights groups.

Several countries have declared that they will comply with CPI arrest warrants and arrest of Netanyahu if he entered their territory, while other countries were still considering their response to the decision.

(AFP)