President Paul Kagame,who is also the Chairperson of the African Union, is in Quebec, Canada for a two-day G7 Summit. This was confirmed by the Office of the President through a media advisory. G7, also known as the Group of Seven, is made up of seven countries – which are among the largest economies of the world. The summit brings together leaders and policymakers from the most advanced economies including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States to build consensus and set trends around challenging global issues. The countries are estimated to represent about 62 per cent of the global net wealth - amounting to about $280 trillion. Founded in the 1970s, the group meets annually to discuss multiple global issues including environment, security and economy, among others. As is the custom, the host country invites a select few non-G7 world leaders to what is referred to as ‘the Outreach Session’ where more common issues of concern are discussed. The theme for the Outreach Session this year will focus on how to build healthy, productive and resilient oceans, coasts, and communities. Countries invited for this session include Rwanda, the Chair of the African Union; South Africa; Kenya; Senegal; Seychelles; Haiti; Jamaica; Argentina; Vietnam; Bangladesh; and Norway. Others invited are leaders of the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. President Kagame met with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, President Macky Sall of Senegal and President Danny Faure of Seychelles ahead of the G7 Summit. President Kagame also attended a reception hosted by the Premier of Quebec, Philippe Couillard, as well as a dinner hosted by Canadian Governor General, Julie Payette. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
