Germany opposes Trump's proposal to add Korea and Russia to G7, saying "Current system is reasonable"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Germany has expressed opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to expand the membership of the Group of Seven (G7) summit. Last month, President Trump proposed including countries such as South Korea and Russia in the G7.

On the 26th (local time), Heiko Maas, Germany's Foreign Minister, said in an interview with the German daily Rheinische Post, "The G7 and the Group of Twenty (G20) are reasonably organized systems," adding, "There is no need for a Group of Eleven (G11) or Group of Twelve (G12) at this time." He also stated, "Russia can contribute the most to reopening the door to the G7 or G10."

Last month, President Trump suggested expanding and reorganizing the G7. The four countries he mentioned for inclusion were Russia, South Korea, Australia, and India. According to this proposal, Russia would return to the group after being excluded from the Group of Eight (G8) in 2014 due to its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which sparked opposition from other member countries.

Minister Maas recalled the reason for Russia's exclusion from the group, emphasizing, "There will be no opportunity for Russia to return unless a solution related to this is found." However, he noted that although the relationship between Germany and Russia is "difficult in many areas," "Russia is needed to resolve conflicts in Ukraine, Libya, and Syria."

Earlier, the United Kingdom and Canada also opposed Russia's return to the G7. It is reported that Japan has conveyed to the U.S. government its opposition to South Korea's participation in the G7.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.