G7 leaders pledge to 'counter terrorism' in Middle East

After two days of talks in Japan, the heads of the Group of Seven [G7] leading economic powers have released an action plan for countering extremism and promote peace in the Middle East region.

In their final press statement released on Friday, the leaders of the United States, Canada, UK, Italy, Germany, France, and Japan called for an end to violence in the region.

"We reiterate that it is essential for the international community to make further collective and coordinated efforts to fight this urgent global security threat," the statement read.

It added that was important to close what it called "critical gaps" in capacity and international cooperation against extremist violence.

The leaders also endorsed plans to improve border security and aviation security and to tighten controls on the financing of violent extremism.

That includes cracking down on trading of antiquities and other works of art that sometimes fund militancy. The Islamic State group have raided ancient sites in Syria and Iraq and sold antiquities to buyers outside the country.

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The group described the migrant crisis in Europe "as a global challenge which requires a global response" of increased aid.

The G7 statement also condemned violations to the shaky ceasefire in Syria and indiscriminate attacks against civilians, calling on Russia and Iran to "comply with renewed cessation and to stop its attacks directed at civilians".

It also urged the Syrian regime to allow humanitarian groups safe access to besieged areas and release arbitrarily detained persons.

The leaders stressed their continued support for the unity of Iraq and commended the government for its efforts in their fight against IS.

They welcomed the fledgling Libyan Government of National Accord [GNA] and offered their support to help restore peace in the war-torn North African country and procure arms through an exemption to a UN embargo to counter IS.

They also called on both side of the Yemen conflict to work towards a peaceful solution to the hostilities and backed the UN-brokered peace talks in Kuwait to end the violence.

"We underline the necessity of all parties taking immediate steps to enable rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas of [Yemen]," they said.