By a Staff reporter

The leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia joined President Obama at Camp David for the annual G8 Summit on 19 and 20 May 2012.

They addressed major global economic, political, and security challenges, including energy and climate change, food security and nutrition, Afghanistan’s economic transition and transitions across the Middle East and North Africa.

In a declaration, the leaders agreed on the importance of a strong and cohesive Eurozone for global stability and recovery, and affirmed their interest in Greece remaining in the Eurozone while respecting its commitments. On trade, it said: “We underscore the importance of open markets and a fair, rules-based trading system.”

 

President Obama and G8 leaders announced a new alliance on food security with African leaders and the private sector as part of an effort to lift 50 million people out of poverty over the next decade.

“As we move forward, and even as we recommit to working together to reduce poverty, we recognize that our task is also to foster the change that can end it, by investing in Africa’s growth, its expanding role in the global economy, and its success, the declaration stated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to a sovereign, peaceful Afghanistan. It said G8 leaders were appalled by the loss of life, and human rights abuses in Syria and remain resolved to consider further UN measures as appropriate.

G-8 leaders discussed Iran’s nuclear program and called on the country’s regime to comply with all of its obligations under relevant UNSC resolutions and demands of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors