G7 vows to step up efforts to fight against terrorism

The Group of Seven (G7) voiced Monday its commitment to step up efforts to fight against terrorism and terrorist financing.

Leaders of Canada, France, German, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States made the remarks in a joint declaration after wrapping up their two days of talks here on Monday. They have discussed the issue of terrorism with heads of state and government from African countries in particular and representatives of international organizations during the summit's outreach meeting.

"The fight against terrorism and terrorist financing is a major priority for the G7. We will continue to act fast and decisively, and will strengthen our coordinated action," said the statement.

The G7 leaders, in particular, reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implement the established international framework for the freezing of terrorists' assets, promising to facilitate cross-border freezing requests among G7 countries.

They also agreed to take further actions to ensure greater transparency of all financial flows, including through an appropriate regulation of virtual currencies and other new payment methods.

The G7 group, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a press conference at the end of the summit, has held talks with leaders of Nigeria, Tunisia and Iraq over the fight against terrorism, and agreed that an inclusive approach is needed in those countries for the fight against Boko Haram or the Islamic State (IS).

Speaking about the strategy against the IS, U.S. President Barack Obama said the international community is willing to do more to train Iraqi security forces and improve their equipment in the fight against terrorists. Endit