THE director of the World Health Organization told the press Saturday night that while talk of vaccine sharing among leaders at the G7 summit is encouraging, «we need more, and we need them faster.»
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “The challenge, I said to the G-7 leaders, was that to truly end the pandemic, our goal must be to vaccinate at least 70% of the world’s population by the time the G-7 meets again in Germany next year.»
Tedros added that it is «essential» that the countries waive intellectual property rights on the vaccines so that they can go out faster.
He asserted that «we need 11 billion doses,» a number much larger than the 1 billion doses British Prime Minster Boris Johnson has pledged.
The WHO head’s goal, he said, is to have 30% of every country vaccinated by the end of the year, a number that will require 100 million doses to go out this summer.
Read our Biden live blog below for the very latest news and updates…
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PUTIN PRAISES FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP
Putin, who met with former President Donald Trump in Helsinki, Finland back in 2018, praised him as an «extraordinary individual».
“Well even now, I believe that former US President Mr. Trump is an extraordinary individual, talented individual, otherwise he would not have become US president.
“He is a colorful individual. You may like him or not.»
He admired the outsider in Trump who came into the job as a real estate tycoon.
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BIDEN BROKE ROYAL PROTOCOL AT MEETING WITH THE QUEEN
Biden’s 18-vehicle entourage rolled up to the Cornwall venue just five minutes after the Queen, meaning he broke royal protocol that dictates guests should always arrive first for official events.
According to Debrett’s, a British authority on etiquette, «It is correct for everyone to arrive before the royal personage and protocol rules that no guest should leave an event before a member of the Royal Family.»
The drinks reception was organized by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as part of the events making up the G7 summit, a meeting of the most influential world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
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WHAT LEADERS ATTEND THE G7?
Leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US participate in the G7.
Also known as the Group of Seven, these countries are seven of the largest economies of the world.
Together, they represent more than 62 per cent of the global net wealth ($280trillion).
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BIDEN CAUGHT IN OFF DUTY RUNNING SHOES AFTER G7
Joe and Jill Biden dressed down as they enjoyed a drink in Cornwall to unwind from the G7 summit.
At the pub, Jill wore jeans and trainers as she ordered a red wine – while husband Joe played it safe with a Coca-Cola.
The couple sat down next to BBC reporter Jon Sopel, who said he was surprised to see them.
He tweeted: «A first in my career @POTUS comes and sits down at table in a bar next to me and orders a drink. Am trying to act nonchalant #G7.»
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WHAT ISSUES WILL BIDEN ADDRESS AT MEETING WITH PUTIN?
A host of issues are on the table as the two men meet, including US concerns about Russian sabre-rattling on the Ukrainian border, the imprisonment of Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny, and Putin’s support for Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko.
Biden also blames Russia for the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, election interference, and harboring criminals behind a spate of ransomware attacks.
The White House said the meeting would involve «a working session and a smaller session», without giving further details.
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QUEEN WILL CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY REMOTELY
Due to the Covid pandemic, the Queen will be celebrating her birthday in Windsor Castle.
The socially-distanced parade in her honor was led by the Foot Guards and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Windsor Castle’s Quadrangle.
A 41 gun Royal Salute took place on the East Lawn.
The RAF planes flew over the Queen’s Windsor estate.
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DUCHESS KATE AND JILL BIDEN WORE PINK
The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, and the First Lady, 70, both matched in striking pink outfits as they met for the first time.
The women were pictured at Connor Downs Academy in Hayle, Cornwall to highlight the issue of early years development in children.
And during their visit, Kate told reporters how excited she is to meet Harry and Meghan’s baby daughter Lilibet Diana.
«I wish her all the very best, I can’t wait to meet her,» she said.
«We haven’t met her yet but hopefully that will be soon.»
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QUEEN TO HOST BIDENS FOR TEA TOMORROW
The Queen will host President Biden and his wife Jill for tea at Windsor Castle this weekend.
She will welcome the President and the First Lady in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.
Upon arrival, a Guard of Honour formed of The Queen’s Company First Battalion Grenadier Guards will give a Royal Salute, and the US National Anthem will be played.
The President will then accompany the Officer Commanding the Guard of Honour, Major James Taylor, and Major General Christopher Ghika to inspect the Guard of Honour.
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QUEEN CRACKS JOKES DURING G7 SUMMIT
As the Queen posed for a socially distanced group photo with the world leaders, the 95-year-old monarch asked the question possibly on all their minds.
She said: «Are you supposed to be looking as if you’re enjoying yourself?»
The presidents and prime ministers alongside her could not help bursting into laughter, as Boris Johnson replied emphatically: «Yes!»
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COULD RUSSIAN MISSILE BE STALKING G7 SUMMIT?
Reports claim that air forces have been engaged in «unusual» operations in and around waters near to the event- sparking concerns that something could be awry.
The fresh revelations come ahead of the G7 this weekend where US President Joe Biden will meet other world leaders including Boris Johnson.
The Sun reported that a £30 million ‘ring of steel’ had been developed to protect those at the event which includes the use of the HMS Prince of Wales warship.
And according to The Washington Examiner, sea and air forces have been engaged in separate operations to combat an alleged security threat posed by the Russians.
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BIDEN WILL NOT HOLD JOINT PRESSER WITH PUTIN
Joe Biden will give a solo news conference after his meeting with Vladimir Putin next week because the White House reportedly fears the Russian strongman will use it as a platform.
A US official confirmed Putin would be denied the opportunity to stand by Biden while answering questions from the press in Geneva on Wednesday.
The White House is reportedly reluctant to grant Putin yet another prominent platform and place to put Biden at the mercy of comments made by his Russian counterpart.
It comes after Putin yesterday chillingly laughed off Biden’s previously made claim he was a «killer».
During an NBC interview in which he heaped praise on «extraordinary» Donald Trump, he branded Joe Biden «a career politician».
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BIDEN MET WITH ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER
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BIDEN PRAISED MACRON AT THE G7 SUMMIT
Speaking at the G7 Summit on Saturday, President Joe Biden said: «The sun is shining, we’re on this beach, I’m well. And I’m with the president of France, that makes me even feel better.»
«Things are going well and we’re on the same page.»
Biden and Macron previously sparked attention on Friday when, after they posed for a family photo with other members of the G7, they walked off the beach location with their arms around each other.
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MACRON TOUTS BIDEN AS «PART OF THE CLUB»
Emmanuel Macron has praised President Joe Biden for his willingness «to cooperate» following sit down talks at the G7 summit on Saturday.
Making a series of comments in front of the media, Macron’s remarks also included a swipe at former US President Donald Trump, describing Biden as being «part of the club.»
«What you demonstrate is that leadership is partnership,» Macron said, as Biden sat alongside him, smiling and nodding.
He added: «I think it’s great to have the US president part of the club.»
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BIDEN SAYS US AND GERMAN TIES ARE «STRONGER THAN EVER»
President Joe Biden took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon to reveal his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel was «great.»
«The ties between our two nations are stronger than ever — and I’m excited to welcome her to the White House next month to continue our work,» Biden’s tweet read.
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MACRON PRAISED BIDEN FOR BEING «WILLING TO COOPERATE»
On Saturday morning, French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly told the press: «It’s great to have a US President who is part of the club and willing to cooperate.»
Macron praised Biden prior to his June 12 meetup with Biden during the annual G7 summit.
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MACRON SAYS BIDEN «DEFINITELY» CONVINCED ALLIES THE US IS BACK
French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly praised President Joe Biden and said he «definitely» assured allies that the US is back, according to a pool report, Politico reported.
Speaking at the G7, Macron said: «»I think it’s great to have the U.S. president part of the club, and very willing to cooperate.
«What you demonstrate is that leadership is partnership.»
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BIDEN URGES G7 LEADERS TO COMPETE WITH CHINA
White House officials revealed President Joe Biden wants G7 leaders — of the U.S., Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and Italy — to come together and call out China, according to the Associated Press.
The officials said Biden wants the group of leaders to stand up against the forced labor practices targeting China’s Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities.
Biden wishes for the public condemnation to be part of a joint statement, which would be released on Sunday, the last day of the summit.
However, some European allies are unwilling to part ways so strongly with Beijing.
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THE BIDENS WILL MEET THE QUEEN AGAIN ON SUNDAY
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill will meet the Queen again on Sunday for tea at Windsor Castle.
Biden is the 13th sitting US president the Queen has met during her historic 69-year reign.
The Queen has met every president since Dwight Eisenhower, except for Lyndon Johnson, who didn’t visit Britain while he was in office.
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BIDEN APPEARED TO BREAK ROYAL PROTOCOL
President Joe Biden appeared to break Royal protocol by arriving at the Eden Project for dinner — after the Queen.
Although Biden’s 18-vehicle entourage rolled up to the Cornwall venue just five minutes after the Queen, he still broke royal protocol that dictates guests should always arrive first for official events.
Still, the president’s late arrival didn’t seem to impact the meeting, as the Queen appeared happy as she exchanged words with the president and first lady.
According to Debrett’s, a British authority on etiquette, «It is correct for everyone to arrive before the royal personage and protocol rules that no guest should leave an event before a member of the Royal Family.»
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BIDEN AND PUTIN WILL HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES TO TALK ABOUT
A host of issues are on the table as the two men meet, including US concerns about Russian sabre-rattling on the Ukrainian border, the imprisonment of Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny, and Putin’s support for Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko.
Biden also blames Russia for the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, election interference, and harboring criminals behind a spate of ransomware attacks.
Washington has insisted for weeks now that its aim is to make relations between the two countries more «stable and predictable».
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BIDEN STANDS WITH MACRON «READY» FOR CHALLENGES
«President Macron and I stand together, ready to take on the toughest challenges we face,» Biden wrote alongside his Friday Twitter post.
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BIDEN AND PUTIN’S FACE-OFF LIKELY TO HAVE BITTER DISPUTES
Bitter disputes over election interference, cyber attacks, human rights and Ukraine are likely to set the tone for Biden and Putin’s face-off.
Strategic nuclear stability and regional conflicts will also come up in conversation.
Biden, who has spent the last two days meeting with G7 leaders in England, has previously said he would press Putin to respect human rights.
But the president remained tight-lipped on what his message will be for Putin when pressed by reporters on Friday, responding: «I’ll tell you after I’ve delivered it.»
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PUTIN IS SET TO MEET WITH BIDEN NEXT WEEK
SWITZERLAND has deployed thousands of police and soldiers in an effort to tighten security ahead of next week’s summit between President Joe Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Putin is set to meet with Biden at Villa La Grange along Lake Geneva on June 16 — in an event that marks their first face-to-face since Biden took office.
The meetup promises to feature heated talks on issues including cyber hacks and nuclear arms.
In preparation for the meeting, the Swiss government declared on Friday a temporary restriction on Geneva air space from June 15 to 17.
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BIDEN SAYS «FOLKS ARE FEELING BETTER» ABOUT THE ECONOMY
President Joe Biden tweeted on Friday: «Today’s news shows that folks are feeling better about the economy.
«And for good reason: growth is near a 40-year high, unemployment is at its lowest level since the pandemic, and wages are on the rise.
«Our economic plan is working — and we’re just getting started.»
Biden was referring to the White House’s announcement about consumer sentiment being up 9.4 percent since January.