Importance of intl cooperation to strengthen resilience of energy supply chains highlighted at G7
Evian, June 17
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stressed the importance of international cooperation to strengthen the resilience of energy supply chains while attending an expanded session of the Group of Seven Summit Wednesday in the French town of Evian-les-Bains.
The second expanded session of the 2026 G7 Summit brought together leaders of G7 member countries, invited nations and the International Monetary Fund, among others.
During the session, Lee pointed out that the conflict in the Middle East exposed significant vulnerabilities of the Asia-Pacific region's energy supply chains compared with other regions, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation to enhance their resilience, the presidential office said, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The president pledged South Korea's support for the International Energy Agency in playing a greater role in restoring the resilience of energy supply chains in the Asian region.
Lee also highlighted economic imbalances facing the international community, calling for coordinated global efforts to address global disparities, while pledging to join international efforts to secure stable supply chains.
Later in the day, Lee joined a working lunch attended by the chiefs of major AI companies to discuss cybersecurity and the protection of minors, according to the presidential office.
During the session, the president plans to stress that AI should not be a privilege for a limited group, but should serve as a tool for inclusive growth for all, his office said.
President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Tuesday to attend G7 Summit as a partner country.
France is the final leg of Lee's Europe trip that earlier took him to Belgium and Italy.
This marked the second consecutive year South Korea has been invited to the G7 Summit. The G7 consists of France, Germany, the US, Canada, Italy, Japan and Britain.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some talk about resilience in energy! The Middle East tensions have hit us hard too. But I wonder if these G7 summits actually lead to real action or just more promises. India should be part of these discussions more actively. 😊
South Korea is smart to call for IEA involvement. India needs to diversify its energy sources beyond oil and gas. We have solar and wind potential but the policy execution is slow. Joining hands with global partners could speed things up.
The AI talk is interesting too—Lee says AI shouldn't be a privilege for a few. That resonates with India's Digital India vision. But we need to ensure energy is available to power all that AI infrastructure! Priorities, na? 😅
One perspective: While international cooperation is needed, countries like India should also focus on self-reliance in energy. Atmanirbhar Bharat in renewable energy could be our long-term solution. G7 invites are good but we shouldn't depend on them.
Respectfully, I think Lee is right to highlight Middle East vulnerabilities. But does South Korea always get invited to G7 while India doesn't? We're a larger economy and a key energy consumer. Time for India to demand a permanent seat at such tables. 🇮🇳
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.