The meeting of G7 countries’ top diplomats has started in Quebec, with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Joly saying “peace and stability” will top the agenda.
Joly said foreign ministers in the group will have a lot to tackle, including topics such as finding a path to lasting peace in Ukraine and fostering long-term stability in the Middle East.
“We should not be daunted by the task,” Joly said in her opening remarks at the meeting in Charlevoix, Que., on March 13.
Other topics on the agenda include building resilience in the Indo-Pacific region and discussing issues involving Haiti, Venezuela, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Canada holds the G7 rotating presidency this year and the foreign ministers’ meeting preludes a future gathering of leaders.
The meeting is taking place as the new U.S. administration is weighing heavily on developments related to Ukraine and roiling G7 allies with tariffs.
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U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs related to concerns on fentanyl trafficking had until recently only affected Canada, Mexico, and China. A 25 percent universal U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed on March 12 opened up a new front in Europe for the trade conflict.
The European Union (EU) announced a retaliatory package to launch in April, which in part targets U.S. whiskey with a 50 percent surtax. Trump responded on March 13 by announcing he would slap a 200 percent tariff on all alcoholic products coming out of the EU.
Trump’s handling of the war in Ukraine has also made waves in Ottawa and European capitals.
After Trump paused military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine following a heated on-camera meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this month, Ukraine has now agreed to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire with Russia. In response, Washington lifted the hold on assistance.
U.S. negotiators are expected to discuss the ceasefire in Russia on March 13.
Joly issued a statement on March 12 saying Canada welcomes the proposed ceasefire, saying it “must be” the first step toward a “just and lasting peace.” Joly said this shows Ukraine wants to end the war “as soon as possible” and added the “ball is now in Russia’s court.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on March 12 following Ukraine negotiations that each side needs to accept that there is no military solution to the conflict.
“Neither side can militarily achieve their maximalist gains – their maximalist goals,” he said, adding that only negotiation can bring peace.
Joly says she will take the opportunity to discuss the war in Ukraine and the U.S.-Canada trade conflict with Rubio during the G7 meeting.
Answering questions from reporters during a press conference on March 12, Joly said she would discuss the proposed ceasefire with Rubio “at length.” She also said she recently brought up Trump’s repeated talk of making Canada the “51st state” with Rubio.
“I talked about it last week with him, and I said everything that has to do with the 51st state rhetoric is unacceptable,” she said. Joly said Rubio reassured her that that cooperation within the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) would continue.
Rubio was asked by reporters whether he agrees with the 51st state comments. He said it’s not something that will be discussed at the G7 meeting. Rubio added that Trump made the argument it would be in Canada’s interest to join the United States and that “obviously the Canadians don’t agree.”
Amid the trade conflict with the United States and Trump’s comments, Joly said her government is having frequent conversations with the Europeans. She mentioned that the EU’s response to the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs was coordinated with Canada.
Joly said Canada is also interested in doing more with Europe in terms of defence procurement.
