G7 foreign ministers meet in Paris as allies test US foreign policy after midterm defeat

Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) meet in Paris on November 9-10 for two days of talks on the war in Ukraine, Iran and stability in the Middle East. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend, in his first trip abroad since Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections on November 3.

Allies get their first face-to-face test of Washington

Reuters, citing four G7 diplomats, reported the meeting will be Washington's allies' first opportunity to gauge whether a midterm defeat for President Donald Trump alters the administration's approach to Ukraine, the Middle East and ties with its closest partners. The diplomats signalled the Democrats' gains could narrow the White House's room for manoeuvre but warned against expecting a return to traditional US multilateralism while foreign policy remains very much under Trump's control.

Ukraine first; Europe wants a fair settlement

AFP reported that European powers are expected to press the United States to seek a fair settlement for Ukraine and to deter Washington from further military action against Iran. Ukraine tops the agenda; the ministerial comes ahead of US-mediated trilateral talks between Ukraine and Russia scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told RTL radio that on this occasion Europeans will be involved in talks on Ukraine.

Meeting moved from Marseille to Paris at short notice

The meeting had long been scheduled for the southern port city of Marseille, but France moved it to Paris at short notice for security reasons after weeks of protests across France over the cost of living. Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Korea and Brazil have been invited to take part in some sessions. France holds the G7 presidency until the end of the year, with the United States taking over in 2027.

No joint communique expected

Reuters reported that France has signalled the talks are unlikely to produce a joint communique, a sign of how divided the group remains on several major issues. Asked about Trump's and the Republicans' heavy midterm losses as he prepared to leave for France, Rubio declined to comment directly.