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Foreign Secretary announces G8 Foreign Ministers’ meeting

Foreign Secretary William Hague will host Foreign Ministers from the G8 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the European Union) in London in April 2013.

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The UK takes up presidency of the G8 in January 2013. On 10 and 11 April 2013 the Foreign Secretary William Hague will host Foreign Ministers from the G8 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the European Union) in London.

Announcing the meeting, the Foreign Secretary said:

“I look forward to using the UK’s G8 presidency to make progress on the serious challenges facing the international community today. Today the Prime Minister explained how by supporting the development of open economies, open governments and open societies, we can harness the power of the private sector for everyone’s benefit.

“When my G8 counterparts and I meet in April I expect a particular focus on the prevention of conflict. As well as focussing on the urgent foreign issues of the day such as the Middle East Peace Process and wider stability in the region, we will commit time and energy to the G8’s Deauville Partnership, ensuring that our partners in Arab Spring countries have the level of support that they need.

“We will discuss the situation in Somalia, to ensure that international attention remains focussed on the needs of the Somali people. And we will seek concrete commitments from G8 member states to help shatter the culture of impunity for those who use rape and sexual violence as weapon of war.”

Published 20 November 2012