G7 Leaders Gather in Canada to Navigate Tensions With the U.S

Sunday 15 June 2025 - 15:08

By: Zahouani Ilham

G7 Leaders Gather in Canada to Navigate Tensions With the U.S

G7 leaders convene in the Canadian Rockies starting Sunday, facing increasing disagreements with the United States over foreign policy and trade. Canada, as the host, aims to prevent any direct confrontations with President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizes priorities such as enhancing peace and security, securing critical mineral supply chains, and promoting job creation. However, contentious topics like U.S. tariffs and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are expected to dominate discussions.

Israel, a U.S. ally, launched extensive strikes against Iran on Thursday, complicating Trump's diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation. The summit is held in Kananaskis, near Calgary.

In the previous 2018 summit held in Canada, Trump left early, criticizing then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and rejecting the final joint statement. Experts say success this time depends on avoiding any disruptive outbursts from Trump.

Tensions persist with Trump threatening retaliations if tariffs on steel and aluminum are not removed. Diplomatic hopes are modest, with Canada choosing to issue chair summaries instead of a traditional joint communique to minimize risks and maintain U.S. engagement.

The visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to the White House in February exposed the delicate nature of negotiations with Trump. While Canada strongly supports Ukraine, hopes for a robust G7 statement backing Ukraine have diminished. A peaceful interaction between Trump and Zelenskiy would itself be a positive outcome.

The summit also presents an opportunity to urge Trump to advance sanctions against Russia, coordinated with European measures, aiming for a ceasefire and renewed negotiations.

Observers see this summit as an early test of whether the U.S. remains committed to multilateral forums like the G7. French President Emmanuel Macron, despite differences on Ukraine and climate issues, maintains a frank and constructive relationship with Trump.