World leaders gather in France for G-7

The G-7 summit aims to strengthen economic ties, strategic policies over global concerns, standoffs between nations, security and others. The Summit is scheduled from August 24-26.

Hyderabad: The 45th G-7 summit officially began on Sunday with all leaders at a round table discussion in the French port city of Biarritz. The summit aims to strengthen economic ties, strategic policies over global concerns, standoffs between nations, security and others.

The heads of state and government of France, Italy, Germany, the UK, US, Canada, Japan, and European Union (EU) representatives launched the Summit with an aerial shot of their meeting and a tweet, "It's time to take action".

The leaders of the Group of Seven gathered in Biarritz for a working session on Sunday to discuss security and the world economy.

US-China trade war

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that he had 'second thoughts about everything', when asked if he regretted escalating trade war with China.

He told reporters that Washington was 'getting along well right now with China', despite duelling barrages of tariffs issued on Friday and a new threat to try to force US businesses to leave China.

Over the US-China trade war, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a message to Trump to de-escalate the trade war, and he advocated for free trade, saying that the UK had benefited from it for over 200 years.

Brexit

US President on Sunday offered British Prime Minister Boris Johnson a boost, saying he was the 'right man' to deliver Brexit.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in France, Trump was asked what his advice was for Britain's departure from the European Union.

Trump responded, "Johnson needs no advice. He is the right man for the job." Johnson replied that the president was 'on message there'.

Trump also appeared to speak disapprovingly of Theresa May, Johnson's predecessor, saying the new prime minister was 'a different person'.

The president in the past had frequently criticised May's handling of Brexit.

Trump also promised to work out 'a very big trade deal' between their two nations once the United Kingdom leaves the EU.

The much-anticipated working breakfast was the first time the leaders had met since Johnson took Britain's top job last month.

Iran stand-off

French President Emmanuel Macron has been tasked with leading talks with Tehran over its nuclear deal i.e., holding talks and sending a message to Iran.

The goal of these discussions will be to 'avoid at all costs Iran withdrawing from the nuclear arms deal and to de-escalate tensions in the region'.

The French President had a business lunch with his American counterpart Donald Trump on Saturday, in a bid to reduce tensions with Tehran and the French government, sources said that they were convinced the Washington 'does not want a war but an agreement' with Tehran.

The sources added that there was a 'convergence' between the two states and that "possible measures exist in exchange for demanding conditions from Iranians."

North Korea's missile tests

Trump on Sunday expressed his displeasure with Pyongyang over its missile tests. But, he admitted that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not in breach of an agreement.

Amazon wildfire

French President Emmanuel Macron, the host of the summit, has put the Amazon wildfires at the top of the agenda for the weekend meeting.
EU had also expressed concerns over raging fires and stressed Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to take stringent action.

US-Japan trade agreement

Washington is very close to sign a trade agreement with Japan. Trump spoke during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit.

The two leaders also discussed relations with Iran and North Korea.

On Russia, Trump said that it would be "advantageous to many things in the world," if the country was re-admitted into the G7.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold meetings with G-7 leaders to discuss climate change, digital information, and other issues during the summit.