Donald Trump to postpone G7 meeting after pitching for 'in-person meet' amid Coronavirus

Days after pitching for 'in-person' G7 meeting, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he will postpone a meeting of Group of 7 nations. Terming group as an outdated one, Trump said that he will t hold meeting he is called for an expansion of group's membership while accusing current members of t properly representing what is taking place in world. current G7 members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States. US currently holds annual presidency of G7 countries. Trump singled out Russia, Australia, South Korea and India as possible additions.

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'In-person G7 summit'

Issuing a statement on summit, White House had said that President Donald Trump believes that re is " greater example" of reopening amid COVID-19 pandemic than holding an in-person G7 summit in America near end of June. Trump has even suggested that it be held in person at Camp David.

"w that our Country is 'Transitioning back to Greatness', I am considering rescheduling G-7, on same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at legendary Camp David. or members are also beginning ir COMEBACK. It would be a great sign to all - rmalization!" Trump had tweeted.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters on Tuesday during a news conference " President wants to see this (G7) take place. As America reopens, as we try to approach a place of rmalcy where people go back to work, where people do recreational activities but socially distant while y do it, President thinks greater example of reopening in this transition to greatness would be G7, and G7 happening here and happening probably more towards end of June," McEnany said.

She said National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien has been getting a great reception from world leaders who are asked about attending summit. "We will protect world leaders who come here, just like we protect people in White House. So, we want to see it happen. We think it will happen. So far, foreign leaders are very much on board with idea," said White House Press Secretary in response to a question. But, re has been fixed date for it as yet. "I don't kw if it will be last week of June, but towards end of June. And goal for it is for it to be here at White House," McEnany said.

READ | Trump w wants in-person G7 summit, as an example of reopening post-Covid: White House

German Chancellor declines Trump’s invitation

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday declined Trump’s invitation to attend possible G7 summit in June, as per reports in international media. German government spokesman Steffen Seibert, reportedly said that currently, federal chancellor was considering “overall pandemic situation” and could t agree to her “personal participation". After  Coronavirus outbreak, Merkel in March had gone into self-quarantine after coming in contact with a COVID-19 infected doctor.

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Virtual G-7 meet

Trump's 'change in mind' came even as in March he cancelled physical meet of  G7 and held meetings on virtual platforms. 'emergency meet' held on March 16 marked first time G7 leaders came toger to discuss efforts to defeat coronavirus. Trump had come under fire in previous meet as world leaders made it clear that medical firms must share and coordinate research on Coronavirus vaccines rar than provide products exclusively to one country. 

What is G7 Summit? 

Often being looked at as grouping of 'rich countries,'  G7 Summit includes seven countries, that are largest and most developed, industrialised ecomies of world for m to discuss ecomic policies.  grouping that was created in 1975 first included six countries, with Canada joining a year later. grouping also included Russia, who was n suspended in 2014 over Moscow's seizure of Crimea, that was looked down upon as illegal by member nations.  

READ | Angela Merkel declines Donald Trump's invite to attend G7 summit in Washington