World economy is an 'urgent priority': G7 leaders

Group of Seven leaders on Friday said that pumping up the world economy was an "urgent priority", but left the door open for a go-your-own-way approach in a sign of lingering divisions over how to boost growth.

They also warned a British secession from the European Union in next month's referendum could have disastrous economic consequences.

Going into a two-day summit, the club of rich nations was working to find common ground as host Japan looked to win backing for its view that government spending was key to lighting a fire under the world economy, while Germany instead emphasised economic reforms.

As they wrapped up the talks Friday, the group said they all agreed on the need to hammer out a workable plan that took into account the circumstances facing each member -- also including the United States, Britain, France, Italy and Canada.

"Global growth is our urgent priority," the G7 said in a final communique, adding that growth remained "moderate and below potential".

"A UK exit from the EU would reverse the trend towards greater global trade and investment, and the jobs they create, and is a further serious risk to growth," they said in a declaration after talks largely focused on kickstarting the world economy.

"Taking into account country-specific circumstances, we commit to strengthening our economic policy responses in a cooperative manner and to employing a more forceful and balanced policy mix, in order to swiftly achieve a strong, sustainable and balanced growth pattern."

It added: "We reiterate our commitments to using all policy tools ?- monetary, fiscal and structural -? individually and collectively, to strengthen global demand and address supply constraints, while continuing our efforts to put debt on a sustainable path."

The group also said it would stand by earlier pledges to stay committed to "mutually-reinforcing fiscal, monetary and structural policies".