UK Invites South Korea and Two Other Countries to G7 Summit to Foster Consensus on COVID Recovery

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The United Kingdom will hold the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit in June as an in-person meeting and officially invite South Korea as a guest. The G7 is a consultative body composed of the heads of state of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan.

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the UK, the G7 chair country, issued a statement on the 16th (local time) saying that this G7 summit will serve as a platform to build consensus on restoring the global economy from the shock of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through free trade and sustainable methods.

Prime Minister Johnson said, "COVID-19 is clearly the most significant test of the modern international order we have experienced and the most destructive force seen in generations," adding, "We must unite in the spirit of openness to approach this and create a better future."

Johnson invited South Korea, Australia, India, and the European Union (EU) as guests to the G7 summit, according to BBC and other media.

The UK government explained, "The Prime Minister's ambition is to use the G7 to strengthen cooperation among democratic and technologically advanced countries worldwide," and "The Prime Minister invited the leaders of South Korea, Australia, and India as guest countries to enhance the expertise and experience of the G7 summit."

The UK G7 summit is scheduled to be held from June 11 to 13 at Carbis Bay, a resort in Cornwall, southwestern England.