French, Canadian leaders support ‘strong multilateralism’ ahead of G7 summit

French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed support for “strong multilateralism” in Ottawa before the G7 summit, where US President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies are likely to be discussed. The two leaders in their 40s said in a statement on Wednesday they “support a strong, responsible, transparent multilateralism to face the global challenges,” AFP reports. The talks are likely to focus on Trump’s decision last week to impose punishing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from the US’ closest allies, including Canada, the EU and Japan. Trudeau and Macron had tried to persuade Trump not to impose the tariffs. “There will be frank and sometimes difficult discussions around the G7 table, particularly with the US president on tariffs,” Trudeau said.