G-7 summit begins in Japan, focuses on global economy, terrorism

TOKYO, May 26 (KUNA) -- Leaders of the Group of Seven (G-7) industrialized nations kicked off their annual summit on Thursday in the central Japanese city of Shima, about 300 km southwest of Tokyo, with the global economy, terrorism and maritime security dominating the agenda.
The two-day meeting of leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US began with the visit to the Ise Grand Shrine, the nation's holiest Shinto shrine. Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe, who chairs the summit, greeted US President Barack Obama and other G-7 leaders at the shrine.
The G-7 advanced economies are expected to discuss the global economy, terrorism, maritime security, refugees and tax evasion. Attention to this year's summit is focused on whether the G-7 nations can make a concerted approach to the world economy amid growing uncertainty due to factors such as a slowdown in emerging economies, falling oil prices and a possible exit of Britain from the European Union. Japan and the US have called for fiscal spending to achieve global economic growth, but Britain and Germany have shown caution over the action.
After the conclusion of the G-7 summit on Friday, Obama will visit Hiroshima with Abe, set to become the first incumbent US president to visit the atomic-bombed city. (end) mk.hb