The Japanese government is considering using the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima to discuss relations between the G7 countries and the emerging and developing nations collectively known as the Global South.

Japan, which holds this year's G7 presidency, will host the summit in the western city from May 19 to 21. It has invited the leaders of eight nations outside the G7 framework as well as representatives from seven international organizations to join the gathering.

They include India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. India and Brazil are seen as major nations in the Global South.

Many Global South nations take a neutral stance on issues such as the conflict in Ukraine, out of consideration for Russia and China.

The G7 foreign ministers agreed at their meeting last week that it is important to bolster relations with Global South nations through food assistance and other means.

The Japanese government is apparently hoping that discussions on ties with the Global South at the summit will showcase the G7's increased focus on cooperation.