The first working day of the G7 summit in Germany has led to some financial pledges and firm commitments.

Climate change and the threat posed by radical extremism were discussed by the leaders of the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Japan and Italy.

Host Chancellor Angela Merkel added that the sanctions laid against Russia over the situation in Ukraine will stay in place until the Minsk accords are fully implemented and respected:

“We say that the conflict in Southeast Ukraine can be resolved only politically and on the basis of the Minsk agreement. We agree that the lifting of the sanctions is linked to the implementation of Minsk and we are ready – if necessary – to reinforce the sanctions eventually.” she told reporters.

Leaders agreed that a common approach is needed to reduce the dependance on fossil fuels and limit greenhouse gas emissions.

They also agreed that a joint approach is needed to stem the threat of radical extremism from organisations like Boko Haram and th