Joint Statement of the G7; Support for Ukraine and Designation of Iran as a 'Source of Regional Instability'

The foreign ministers of the seven industrialized nations concluded their meeting in Canada with a joint statement outlining their positions on issues such as the war in Ukraine and global free trade, warning that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. The G7, which includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, along with a representative from the European Union, held its foreign ministers' meeting on Friday, March 15, in Charlevoix, Canada. The joint statement emphasized that 'Iran is a primary source of regional instability and must never be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.' The G7 foreign ministers also warned Iran that 'it must change course now, de-escalate, and choose diplomacy.' The statement also recalled the threat posed by 'Iran's increasing use of arbitrary detentions and attempts at extraterritorial killings as a tool for coercion.' The G7 condemned military assistance from Iran and North Korea to Russia, as well as China's provision of weapons and dual-use components to Moscow. The G7 foreign ministers also declared 'full support' for Ukraine and threatened Russia with 'further sanctions' if it does not support a ceasefire. The first day of the meeting of senior diplomats from G7 member countries in Canada on Thursday was marked by a wave of protests from the foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan against the US Secretary of State. However, on Friday, some diplomats from the group announced that members had agreed to issue a joint statement, which they said 'aims to demonstrate unity.' The final statement reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine's 'territorial integrity' and warned Russia that it would face further sanctions if it does not agree to a ceasefire. According to Reuters, the final statement also contained an indirect warning to China regarding 'changing the status in the Taiwan Strait by force,' but on the other hand, there was no mention of a two-state solution regarding the fate of the Gaza Strip as a way to end violence in that area. The two-day G7 meeting began immediately after Donald Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on European wines and other alcoholic beverages if the European Union did not withdraw its tariffs on American whiskey in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum. This situation, along with disagreements among these countries regarding the US government's foreign policy on the Ukraine war, led Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, to face a wave of criticism from the foreign ministers of other G7 members during his first official trip to Canada and his first appearance at the G7 meeting. The Associated Press reported that all of them were angry with the new US president's policies and, while posing for a group photo in the cold and snowy weather by the Saint Lawrence River, wore cold smiles on their faces. Donald Trump insists that the US produces these products and manufactures many goods, and American companies should rely more on American products and resources rather than cheaper imports from abroad. Melanie Joly, the Canadian Foreign Minister, said at the opening of the meeting, 'Peace and stability are at the top of our agenda, and I look forward to discussing how to support Ukraine against Russia's illegal aggression.' Ms. Joly had previously stated that she would raise the issue of Trump's tariffs in all G7 meetings and would seek to coordinate a response to it. However, she emphasized that Trump still insists on his 'derogatory rhetoric regarding the fifty-first state.' Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his positions on Canada in a meeting in his office at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, stating, 'To be honest, Canada only operates as a state.' He also emphasized that he would not back down from the tariffs he imposed on Canada: 'We have been victims for years. We will not back down.' Rubio and the US approach to the G7 In response to the protests against Trump's remarks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he was merely expressing his opinion and that the G7 meeting is not about 'how to take over Canada.' At the same time, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also tried to prevent further tensions and supported Canada in a message on social media. She also told reporters, 'In this tense geopolitical era, we have learned that it is important to remain calm even in tense moments. The G7 has always been a powerful force for freedom and our shared understanding of peace.' The imposition of a 25% tariff by the US on steel and aluminum imports 'without exemption' has begun. Rubio in facing allies on tariffs The US Secretary of State stated that G7 partners must understand that these tariffs are a 'political decision' by Trump to maintain US competitiveness. He added, 'I think we can do this while constructively engaging with our allies, friends, and partners on other issues we are working on. This is what I expect from the G7 and Canada.' The agenda of the G7 meeting included discussions on China and the Indo-Pacific region, Ukraine and Europe, stability in the Americas, the Middle East, maritime security, Africa, and also political issues related to China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia. Previous meetings of G7 foreign ministers have usually been accompanied by general agreement, but on the eve of the first G7 meeting under Canada's presidency, the drafting of the final statement faced challenges, especially regarding the language used about Ukraine, the Middle East, and Washington's desire to adopt a tougher stance on China. However, three officials from the group announced that diplomats from these countries reached an agreement on a joint statement on Friday after weeks of tension among US allies and Donald Trump over changes in trade, security, and Ukraine-related policies, aimed at demonstrating unity. These diplomats also stated that this statement, which is a comprehensive document on geopolitical issues worldwide, still requires ministerial approval.