Leaders of the G8 unequivocally rejected the payment of ransoms to terrorists. The final communiqué issued on Tuesday says Al Qaeda-affiliated and other Islamist extremist groups worldwide have collected tens of millions of dollars in ransoms.

“The payment of ransoms to terrorist groups is one of the sources of income which supports their recruitment efforts, strengthens their operational capability to organise and carry out terrorist attacks, and incentivises future incidents of kidnapping for ransom, thereby increasing the risks to our nationals,” the text reads.

“We unequivocally reject the payment of ransoms to terrorists in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 1904 (2009) which requires that MemberStates prevent the payment of ransoms, directly or indirectly, to terrorists designated under the UN Al Qaeda sanctions regime through the freezing of funds and other assets.”

The leaders agreed to provide mutual assistance to States responding to terrorist kidnaps including, as appropriate and feasible, through information sharing and specialist expertise or assistance, or the provision of resources related to hostage rescue