The G7 foreign ministers convene as part of the broader Group of Seven process, which brings together Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the European Union participating as a "non-enumerated" member. The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy typically attends ministerial sessions. Russia participated as part of the G8 from 1998 until its suspension in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.
Foreign ministers usually meet at least once during the rotating annual presidency, which cycles among the seven members. Meetings are hosted by the country holding the presidency that year — for example, Japan in 2023 (Karuizawa and Tokyo), Italy in 2024 (Capri), and Canada in 2025. Ministers also gather informally on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York each September.
The format produces a joint communiqué adopted by consensus, addressing issues such as Russia's war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, Indo-Pacific security, North Korean missile launches, Iran's nuclear program, sanctions coordination, and emerging technology governance. These statements are politically binding rather than legally enforceable, but they often preview coordinated action — for instance, the price cap on Russian seaborne crude oil announced in late 2022 was first shaped at G7 finance and foreign minister tracks.
The ministerial process feeds into the annual leaders' summit held mid-year. Working groups and "sherpa" diplomacy between meetings handle drafting. Unlike the G20, the G7 has no permanent secretariat; each presidency runs its own agenda and staffing.
Invited guests vary by host. Recent meetings have included foreign ministers from Ukraine, South Korea, Australia, India, Brazil, and ASEAN representatives. The grouping is often described as a concert of liberal democracies, though its members coordinate selectively and disagreements — over China policy, trade, or Middle East positions — are regularly visible in the wording of communiqués.
Example
In April 2024, G7 foreign ministers met on Capri under Italy's presidency and condemned Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel.