June 14, Monday, 2021 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1. The Group of Seven leaders closed their three-day summit on Sunday with a message to China. Their communique pledged support for global coronavirus vaccine efforts and a lagging economy and took note of China’s growing international influence. The message comes amid pressure to address a wide range of concerns – from human rights to maritime aggressions to transparency.
2. Russian President Vladimir Putin says his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden will help establish a framework for bilateral dialogue about areas of mutual interest, including nuclear arms reduction. He is scheduled to hold his first face-to-face summit with Biden in Switzerland on Wednesday. Putin expressed hope that the meeting will help restore relations. 3. U.S. President Joe Biden has congratulated Naftali Bennet, Israel’s newly inaugurated prime minister. The White House states that Biden “highlighted his decades of steadfast support for the U.S.-Israel relationship and his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.”