France was the only G7 member to vote in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution last month seeking an immediate “humanitarian truce”.
The United States voted against it while Japan, Britain, Italy, Germany and Canada all abstained.
France said in a statement announcing Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna’s attendance in Tokyo that the G7 would discuss “the need to respond to the needs of civilian populations in Gaza and to respect international humanitarian law.”
Colonna “will reiterate our condemnation of the terrorist actions of Hamas and the imperative of releasing the hostages”, the statement added.
Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa said at the start of a working dinner devoted to the Gaza situation that she wanted a “candid and deep discussion”.
UKRAINE WAR
Another major topic at will be the Ukraine war, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba set to join by video conference.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said after arriving in Tokyo that the G7 would discuss a “winter protection shield” for Ukraine.
“It is clear, particularly at this moment, that some (parties) are watching very closely how we will continue to support Ukraine,” Baerbock told reporters.
Analysts said however that the G7 might moderate its language regarding China as tentative signs emerge that Beijing’s tensions with the West may be easing.
These include upcoming talks between the United States and China ahead of the COP28 climate conference and President Xi Jinping’s scheduled meeting with US President Joe Biden in San Francisco.
Another G7 topic will be deepening ties with resource-rich and strategically located Central Asia, with foreign ministers from the region set also to join by video.
Source: CNA
