Expectations are high in Canada as world leaders are meeting to discuss critical global issues. The Group of Seven countries namely Canada, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy and Japan have gathered in the mountain resort of Kananaskis.

Some of the invited guests include South Africa, Ukraine, Mexico, India, Brazil and South Korea.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says they want to strengthen peace and security, critical minerals supply chains and job creation.

There’s plenty on the agenda with the escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, US tariffs and its effects on global economy. US President Donald Trump is also attending the session.

South Africa is represented by President Cyril Ramaphosa and on the margins of the summit held bilateral engagement with Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney.

[BILATERAL]: His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa had his first bilateral meeting between with His Excellency Prime Minister @MarkJCarney upon his arrival in Canada.

The cooperation between South Africa and Canada has strengthened this year as it relates to #G20 and #G7.… pic.twitter.com/OVyrWg78Fy

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 16, 2025

Carney says they will always appreciate South Africa’s leadership, especially in the fractured global environment.

“We have met with the South African President and agreed to assist each other when it comes to natural disasters,” says Carney

Global attention has turned to the Middle East, where strikes by Israel on Iran have raised the risks of an escalation into a broader regional conflict.

Diplomats say Canada has ditched the idea of a traditional comprehensive joint communique and would issue chair summaries instead, in the hope of containing a diplomatic fallout and maintaining engagement with the U.S.