G7 Talks Begin in Paris as Allies Weigh U.S. Policy After Midterms
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven began two days of talks in Paris on Monday, Nov. 9, with the agenda spanning Ukraine, the Middle East, energy security, humanitarian assistance and other global issues. The meeting gives U.S. allies their first opportunity since last week’s midterm elections to discuss the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy, according to Reuters’ reporting from diplomats.
Why allies are watching Washington’s next steps
Reuters reported that four G7 diplomats saw the meeting as an early chance to assess whether the election result would affect U.S. policy on Ukraine, the Middle East and relations with allies. That is a question being raised by the diplomats, not a settled change in policy. The Associated Press reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected to face questions about Ukraine, Iran, energy and other issues during the meetings.
The G7 brings together the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. The French Foreign Ministry’s published agenda says the ministers would coordinate responses to international crises and review support for Ukraine, including its capacity, financing and energy needs.
The agenda also includes food security and AI safety
France’s agenda extends beyond the wars that are drawing immediate attention. It includes stabilizing the Middle East, securing and diversifying energy supplies, improving humanitarian supply chains, and addressing food security and nutrition. The ministry also listed maritime and port security and coordination on AI safety among the meeting’s priorities.
France invited Brazil, Egypt, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine to take part in discussions. That broader attendance gives partner countries a role in sessions on issues that affect them, while the formal ministerial gathering remains a G7 meeting.
What is known so far
The talks are scheduled to continue through Tuesday, Nov. 10. The French government described the gathering as a forum to coordinate positions; AP reported the hosts had signaled there would not be a joint communiqué. The public agenda therefore provides a guide to the subjects under discussion, while any concrete agreements or policy shifts would require separate confirmation.
The Paris meeting is one of several diplomatic efforts unfolding this week. In a separate development, Trump said he expects Xi and Putin to meet at the APEC summit, another story involving the administration’s international relationships.
Sources
Associated Press: G7 talks in Paris and Rubio’s agenda
Reuters, republished by Investing.com: G7 allies’ questions about U.S. policy after the midterms
