Toronto (TDI): Ministers representing some of the world’s most powerful countries gathered in a show of unity for liberal democracy on Thursday, with Canada proposing maritime co-operation as the G7 splits on Ukraine and US tariffs.
The Group of Seven ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with the European Union, gathered in the remote tourist town of La Malbaie, nestled in the Quebec hills, for meetings on Thursday and Friday that in the past have been broadly consensual.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly met representatives from different countries during the G7 Foreign Minister meeting at Charlevoix.
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Joly met with the High Representative of the EU and Vice President of European Commission Kaja Kallas.
They discussed the Russia Ukraine conflict and the importance of security, economic cooperation and defense partnership to strengthen relations.
At the @G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, I met with EU High Representative & European Commission VP @kajakallas to discuss the way forward on support for Ukraine, the importance of a strong 🇨🇦-🇪🇺 security & defence partnership, and increased economic cooperation. pic.twitter.com/iJWlAYeFW2
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) March 13, 2025
She also conducted a sideline meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Nöel Barrot and discussed strengthening economic collaboration and mutual actions on key geopolitical concerns.
Both Foreign Ministers condemned the latest massacres in Syria and expressed their strong commitment to support peace, protect civilians, and hold those responsible for accountability.
Bienvenue au Québec, Monsieur le Ministre @jnbarrot ! 🇨🇦🇫🇷 Le Canada et la France sont alignés sur nos priorités communes. pic.twitter.com/cVJpMaU9Xk
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) March 13, 2025
Minister Joly also held a productive discussion with IWAYA Takeshi, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She said, “Both states shared a stable, reliable, and engaged partnership that has strengthened their economic and security ties.”
Both Ministers committed to further enhancing their collaboration on Canada-Japan Information Security Agreement.
I had a productive discussion with IWAYA Takeshi, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Canada and Japan share a stable, reliable, and engaged partnership that has strengthened our economic and security ties. pic.twitter.com/s9QaLLuIFb
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) March 13, 2025
Moreover, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly met with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix.
They discussed the impact of currently imposed tariffs, the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire negotiations, and the importance of the G7 to address geopolitical challenges together.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on his first official trip to Canada and his first to a G7 event, heard a litany of complaints as he met with the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
At the @G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix, I met with U.S. Secretary of State @marcorubio. pic.twitter.com/aPgAiMsclg
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) March 13, 2025
UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, David Lammy was also hosted by Melanie Joly.
Both sides discussed their steady support for Ukraine and the latest developments in ceasefire negotiations.
Good to see UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, @DavidLammy again. We discussed our steadfast support for Ukraine and the latest developments in ceasefire negotiations. pic.twitter.com/mtvhrzpU8B
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) March 14, 2025
Conclusively, In Charlevoix, she also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani where they discussed the important role played by the G7 member states and discussed the opportunities for further economic cooperation between our countries.
In Charlevoix, I also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs @Antonio_Tajani. We discussed the important role played by the @G7 and discussed the opportunities for further economic cooperation between our countries. pic.twitter.com/ExADwWjptw
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) March 14, 2025
According to the official statement released by G7 Foreign Ministers, all countries extended their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to exist, while condemning the military assistance to Russia from third countries.
The Foreign Ministers also denounced the ongoing violence by gangs in Haiti while also called for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela, condemning repression and detentions by Maduro’s regime.
They also demanded the immediate release of political prisoners.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
