The expanding influence of transnational crime remains a significant concern for G7 nations. When interior and security ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States convened in Ottawa for a three-day meeting from November 21-23, 2025, they examined complex security challenges, reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting citizens, and discussed ways to enhance national resilience.

Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and host of the G7 Interior and Security Ministers’ Meeting, said the discussions built on commitments made at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. He noted that a major focus was strengthening collective action against transnational and organized crime.

Other key issues addressed during the meeting included intensifying cooperation to detect and disrupt the production and distribution of illegal synthetic drugs; preventing and countering migrant smuggling; increasing international coordination against the rising sophistication of cybercrime and other malicious cyber activities; tackling terrorist and violent extremist content online, including increasing youth radicalization; establishing a shared understanding of transnational repression and strengthening coordinated responses to threats from foreign state actors or proxies; and advancing global efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation, particularly online.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participating ministers issued a joint communique highlighting these interconnected priorities. Minister Anandasangaree also held bilateral meetings with his G7 counterparts to discuss country-specific priorities and strengthen relationships with key allies.

The outcomes, officials said, lay the foundation for deeper cooperation between Canada and its partners.

“The fundamental responsibility of every government is to keep its citizens safe and secure. Bringing together the G7 Interior and Security Ministers in Ottawa is a concrete example of how we work as international partners to fight against threats like organized crime, transnational repression, terrorism, and violent extremism. Canada is stronger and safer when we work with our trusted partners,” said Anandasangaree.

The Group of Seven is an informal forum of advanced economies that includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Leaders meet annually to address global economic and geopolitical challenges.

The country holding the G7 presidency sets the agenda for the year and organizes the summit along with ministerial meetings and senior-official gatherings. As the 2025 G7 president, Canada is hosting a series of such meetings throughout the year.

In 2025, Canada and its G7 partners are marking 50 years of partnership and cooperation. Since France hosted the first meeting in 1975, the G7 has played a key role in promoting international peace, economic development, and sustainable global progress.

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