TAORMINA, Sicily— The leaders of the world’s major economies gathered together for the opening ceremony of the G7 summit at the Ancient Theatre of this historic, hilltop town, which commenced Friday morning.

The summit is set to involve tough debates on climate change, international terrorism and trade.

It will be the first time that four of the G7 heads of state will be sitting round the table as leader of their country.

U.S President Donald Trump, U.K Prime Minister Teresa May, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni are all attending their first G7 summit.

They will be joined by the leaders of Canada, Japan and Germany, as well as representatives from the EU.

“At the G7 we ask for results, we know that it won’t be a straight forward discussion but the spirit of Toarmina will help us move in the right direction,” said Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in a video message just before the start of the summit.

“The extraordinary history and beauty that surrounds us I think can make a very important contribution to the G7 leaders and thus help the international community give responses to its citizens.”

“We will have an important discussion on terrorism and security… climate change, the great migratory movements and the commercial world on which so many businesses depend on,” added Gentiloni.

The G7 summit takes place just days after the Manchester bomb attack killed 22 people, including children. Consequently, the summit will be conducted under increased security measures.

The meeting marks the end of President Trump’s first foreign tour in office, having been given a private audience by Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday.

It is expected that Trump will be urged by the other G7 members not to withdraw U.S involvement in the landmark 2015 Paris agreement to confront global warming.

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