G7 summit kicks off in Germany amid protests
Updated: 2015-06-08 09:10
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) industrial nations hold a working dinner in the Bavarian village of Kruen, Germany June 7, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
BERLIN - The summit of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized countries has kicked off Sunday in southern Germany amid a heavy police presence and anti-G7 demonstrations.
Before the official start of the summit meetings, German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed US President Barack Obama in a small village close to the luxury G7 venue of Schloss Elmau with a traditional Bavarian breakfast.
In their short addresses to local residents, both Merkel and Obama stressed the friendship between Germany and the United States.
"Although we have some differences of opinion, the United States of America is our friend and a vital partner with whom we cooperate closely because it's in our mutual interest," she said.
For his part, Obama hailed US-German ties and the "lasting friendship" between the German and the American people.
Merkel also welcomed other leaders of the G7 group ahead of the start of their talks. The Heads of State and Government, as well as leaders from the European Union, have held two working sessions on the first day of the summit, discussing issues from regulation and supervision of financial markets, combat against tax avoidance and evasion to free trade agreements and international standards in supply chains.
Germany is hosting the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States for two days of talks in the German Bavarian alpine town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Leaders of the world's leading economies are expected to focus on economic, foreign and security topics as well as global environment and health issues.
- Rescuers enter Eastern Star hull in search efforts
- China mourns Yangtze shipwreck victims as search continues
- 9.42 million students sit national college entrance exam
- Students prepare to take national college entrance exams
- TV giants suspend shows for ship wreck mourning
- China, Japan reopen finance talks after delay over sour relations
- Rescuers mourn victims on seventh day since Eastern Star disaster
- Rescuers enter Eastern Star hull in search efforts
- Gaokao held across China
- Man sues actress for staring at him
- Students prepare to take national college entrance exams
- Across America (May 29- June 4)
- Operation underway to turn the ship over
- Prayers held for ship passengers
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Premier Li embarks on Latin America visit |
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Spring Festival trends reflect a changing China |
Patent applications lead the world |
Today's Top News
Heavyweight Zhang wins unanimous decision
China mourns Yangtze shipwreck victims as search continues
China signs $50m agreement with FAO to support developing countries
9.42 million students sit national college entrance exam
Death toll jumps to 396
as hopes of finding any
survivor in cruise fade
China, Japan reopen finance talks after delay over sour relations
Hacking claim isn't responsible, Beijing says
Startups return to China to battle pollution
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |