G7 to discuss Ukraine support after attacks on energy infrastructure

The G7 group of wealthy democracies has gathered to discuss ways to better coordinate support for Ukraine after recent Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure which have resulted in widespread power outages.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine will dominate the two-day meeting between US Secretary Antony Blinken and his G7 counterparts in Muenster in western Germany. However, China's assertive role in world affairs and protests against Iran will be high up on the agenda.

"This G7 ministerial, for us is coming at an important moment," a senior State Department official stated, noting that the group has been "a vital co-ordination mechanism" for policy approaches to the most pressing issues.

EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Tuesday (1 November) in Kyiv during a visit that the European Union was looking at ways to help Ukraine's energy sector.

She stated that Ukraine requires specific tools and equipment to repair its energy infrastructure. It is important to encourage foreign companies to prioritize the transfer of energy equipment to Ukraine.

Germany hosts the G7 meeting. It is the rotating presidency of the group. This will give the opportunity for the world’s most powerful democracies, as well as the rest of the G7, to discuss recent developments and security in the Indo Pacific.

The British foreign ministry released a statement saying that the Foreign Ministers would discuss Taiwan's situation and how the G7 could strengthen its partnerships with countries in the area.

G7 ministers will also address German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent contentious decisions that allowed Chinese shipping company Cosco, to invest in Hamburg port terminal and to pay for a trip to Beijing.

Critics accuse Scholz of prioritizing Germany's economic interests over wider security concerns, just as Angela Merkel did with Russia.

According to a senior US State Department official, China had not "strongly suggested" that they have a controlling interest in the Hamburg port terminal.

Germany ultimately allowed Cosco to hold a 24.9% share in the terminal. This is down from the original offer for 35%.

The British foreign ministry stated that Germany also invited Kenya, Ghana and the African Union into the G7 meeting to discuss climate change, infrastructure and addressing humanitarian crises.

The senior State Department official stated that "We are doing more together in so-called Global South," including in Africa. "This will be a key part of the discussion."

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