G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting
On 10 and 11 April, Foreign Secretary William Hague will meet with G8 Foreign Ministers in London to discuss his key policy priorities
Foreign Secretary William Hague will host his counterparts from the G8 countries
G8 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 10 to 11 April 2013
On 10 and 11 April, Foreign Secretary William Hague, will meet G8 Foreign Ministers from the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Germany and Italy in London. The G8 represents a group of like-minded nations with a broad range of global interests and responsibilities. At the meeting they will discuss the situation in the Middle East, including Syria and Iran; security and stability across North and West Africa; Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and climate change. Alongside these, the Foreign Secretary will highlight five key policy priorities, outlined below.
Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI)
Our generation has an opportunity to confront the use of rape and sexual violence in war.The UK will seek a clear statement of intent and concrete commitments to begin to address the culture of impunity for those who use rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war. This will include support for a new international protocol on the investigation and documentation of sexual violence in conflict and practical assistance in countries affected by this problem. Now is the time to act to prevent and address sexual violence in order to resolve conflicts and build sustainable peace. Find out more about the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI).
Somalia
Our Presidency of the G8 will focus on encouraging the re-engagement of international financial institutions (World Bank, African Development Bank, and International Monetary Fund) in Somalia. This sets a high level of foreign policy, financial and political ambition for both G8 partners and the Somali Government. This will fit neatly with the broader set of objectives for the international conference on Somalia in London in May, which will be co-chaired with the Somali Government. Find out more about our work on Somalia.
Cyber
The meeting will propose ways in which we can build greater trust and security in cyberspace, to support the growth potential of the global digital economy. The G8 can show leadership on international capacity-building efforts, following up the UK initiative announced at the Budapest Cyber conference last October. Find out more about the government’s policy on keeping the UK safe in cyberspace.
Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition.
The meeting will discuss the Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition, which represents the G8 and regional partners’ support to countries undergoing transition following the Arab Spring. Over the course of 2013, the G8 and its partners will oversee several initiatives, centred on trade and investment. Including promoting small and medium-sized enterprises; supporting women’s economic empowerment; providing technical assistance for reform projects; encouraging access to finance and continuing work on asset recovery. Find out more about the government’s activity working for peace and long-term stability in the Middle East.
Burma
The meeting will encourage support for Burma’s promotion of responsible international investment. This will be led by the Burmese Government, building on an initiative originally proposed by the UK. Find out more about our work with Burma.
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Last updated 8 April 2013 + show all updates
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Request from FCO to change language of Burma section
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First published.