(AFP) – Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Tuesday that his Russian counterpart’s presence at US-hosted G20 talks has caused unease among participants, given the suffering of Ukraine since Moscow’s 2022 invasion. “It created discomfort, no doubt about that,” Champagne told AFP when asked if the Russian finance minister’s unexpected appearance impacted meetings.
Champagne was speaking in Asheville, North Carolina, where finance leaders from the Group of 20 major economies are gathered over two days of discussions ending Tuesday. But the presence of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov prompted protests from European officials, who objected to appearing in a traditional “family photo” with him. An EU spokesperson noted the bloc’s representatives were only given short notice of his attendance. Moscow has intensified its strikes on Kyiv this summer, with US-brokered talks remaining frozen. The Group of Seven held talks on the sidelines of the G20 meetings late Monday in Asheville, discussing Ukraine aid.
“The G7 has always been very united in our support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the face of the illegal invasion and the suffering that we see,” Champagne said, noting the intensity of the conflict. Champagne added that the smaller grouping, of which both Canada and the United States are also a part, will continue being firm in its support for Ukraine. The United States holds the rotating G20 presidency.
– Firm, constructive –
Champagne is also entering bilateral talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday afternoon as the North American neighbors remain in a trade war. He plans to be “constructive and firm,” stressing that “we’re not seeking escalation.” President Donald Trump in late August imposed 50-percent tariffs on certain Canadian goods, alleging “discriminatory treatment” of US commerce. This triggered Ottawa’s retaliation, with planned counter-tariffs of 15 percent to 50 percent taking effect September 8.
“This is not a trade conflict we have chosen, but we need to respond to maintain a level playing field” between US businesses and Canadian ones, Champagne said. While trade talks have stalled, Champagne maintained that Canada is “always happy to explore ways where we can reengage” on a mutually beneficial basis.
As Bessent tries to rally partners to join Washington’s economic pressure campaign on Iran amid fighting in the Middle East, Champagne added that Ottawa remains ready to look at further sanctions. “We have been in lockstep with our partners” on sanctions targeting Russia and Iran, Champagne said. But Canada’s trade with both parties is already at the “lowest level I could imagine,” he added.
– Beiyi SEOW and Myriam LEMETAYER
© 2024 AFP
