July 8, 2005
Prime Minister Paul Martin underlined the resolve of G8 Leaders at the Gleneagles Summit to demonstrate their commitment to Africa and to address climate change.
"The results of this Summit clearly demonstrate that G8 Leaders remain committed to strong action on issues of global concern in spite of the terrible attacks that took place in London. Terrorism will not succeed in diverting us from this important work," said the Prime Minister. "Canada and the G8 will respond resolutely to the global challenge of terrorism."
Highlights of the Gleneagles Summit outcomes include:
A joint statement by G8 Leaders and the Leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa on their resolve to confront and defeat terrorism.
A resolution to take urgent action to address climate change as a serious and long-term challenge and to initiate a Plan of Action, while ensuring secure, reliable and affordable energy sources.
A reaffirmation of the partnership with Africa in support of Africa's development and an agreement to double aid for Africa by 2010.
An endorsement of the on-going efforts regarding the Middle East Peace Process, particularly with respect to withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the West Bank, and support for the Palestinian Authority.
G8 members acknowledged the need for all to do their part in achieving an orderly unwinding of global imbalances. They emphasized the importance of credible and sustainable fiscal, monetary and structural policies to promote growth and higher living standards.
Canada is particularly pleased that the G8 will work together to move forward the global discussion on long-term co-operative action to address climate change including at the UN Climate Change Conference in Montreal later in 2005. We welcome the agreement of G8 Leaders to:
Act with resolve and urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the global environment, enhance energy security and cut air pollution.
Commit to an ambitious Plan of Action to combat climate change.
Acknowledge the importance of adaptation strategies to address the effects of climate change, particularly in areas that may experience the most significant change, such as the Arctic.
Establish a Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development with other interested countries with significant energy needs.
On Africa, G8 leaders renewed their commitment to support the NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development), including actions to:
Double aid to Africa, and make aid more effective.
Encourage and support efforts to reduce barriers to private sector development, trade and investment in Africa.
Give priority to action to prevent and treat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, and recommit to fund polio eradication.
Support African countries' commitment to improved governance, including through the African Peer Review Mechanism;
Assist the African Union in preventing conflict and supporting peace-keeping efforts, including for the African Union Mission in Sudan (Darfur) and the UN Mission in Sudan.
Encourage Zimbabwe to respect human rights and the rule of law.
Work with African partners to strengthen the African Partnership Forum to enable it to monitor and report back on commitments made via the G8-Africa partnership.
The Prime Minister and his G8 colleagues emphasized their determination to meet proliferation challenges decisively; reviewed the situations in North Korea, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq; and reaffirmed the need for long-term international engagement to bring stability to Afghanistan and Haiti.
At Gleneagles, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Koizumi, Chancellor Schroeder and President Putin. He also met with James Wolfensohn, Quartet Envoy for Gaza Withdrawal, who sought G8 support for his plans to coordinate Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and four West Bank settlements.
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