Hosts announce Erdogan’s participation in G7 summit in Italy in June

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to attend the Group of Seven summit in Italy next month, as confirmed by the Italian prime minister’s office on Wednesday. The meeting, hosted by Giorgia Meloni in southern Italy from June 13 to 15, will bring together leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.

Erdogan and Meloni discussed the state of bilateral relations and international crisis scenarios during their conversation, with Meloni expressing gratitude for Erdogan’s participation in the summit. The event will also be attended by United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Pope Francis, with a focus expected on the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.

Despite being a NATO partner, Turkey’s relationship with the alliance has faced challenges, particularly regarding its stance on Sweden’s NATO bid following Russia’s actions in Ukraine in 2022. Erdogan’s approach towards Russia has been more nuanced, reflecting the complexities of the geopolitical landscape.

Erdogan has also been vocal in his criticism of Israel’s response to the recent conflict in Gaza, positioning himself as a prominent voice in the Muslim world against Israeli actions. His presence at the G7 summit is anticipated to bring a unique perspective to the discussions on global issues.