Top diplomats from the Group of 7 (G7) industrialized democracies concluded talks in La Malbaie, Quebec, with a focus on U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade and foreign policies, as well as his contentious remarks towards Canada. Despite tensions, diplomats expressed optimism about reaching a consensus on a final communique, with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly highlighting unity within the G7 and expressing support for a ceasefire proposal in Ukraine.

The G7 also found common ground on various global issues such as Ukraine, the Middle East, conflicts in Africa, and Chinese activities in the South China Sea. However, Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum has strained relations within the group, particularly with Canada, which has been a primary target of Trump’s trade policies and derogatory comments.

During the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced complaints from allies seeking relief from trade tensions. Despite efforts to find common ground, Trump’s statements regarding Canada’s sovereignty and potential inclusion as a U.S. state raised concerns among G7 members.

The G7 supported a U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for Russian cooperation. However, Trump’s openness to readmitting Russia to the group, despite its expulsion over the Crimea annexation, has sparked apprehension among G7 nations.

As tensions persist, maintaining unity and addressing global challenges remain key priorities for the G7 members in navigating the complexities of international relations.