U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Paris for Group of Seven talks, while AFP reports U.S.-mediated Russia-Ukraine negotiations are scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The U.S. Department of State said Friday Rubio will visit France from Sunday through Tuesday, Nov. 8-10. The ministers’ meeting is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 9-10. AFP reported that the Abu Dhabi negotiations are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 10-11, under U.S. mediation.
AFP reported that G7 ministers are set to discuss support for Ukraine and steps to stabilize the Middle East. The group includes the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan. Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Korea, Brazil and Ukraine are also expected to take part as partner countries, AFP reported.
AFP said the Paris trip would be Rubio’s first international travel since the midterm results dealt Republicans losses. The agency said the meeting will give Washington’s allies an initial read on the administration’s approach to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
On Nov. 5, President Donald Trump forecast an imminent agreement with Russia covering Ukraine and Europe, AFP reported. European allies have long rejected Moscow’s calls to reshape the continent’s security order, the agency said.
France’s foreign ministry attributed the venue change from Marseille to Paris to logistical reasons. The change came during nationwide cost-of-living protests that had drawn concern in the United States, AFP reported. EconoTimes previously covered the move from Marseille to Paris.
The State Department said Rubio’s meetings are intended to promote U.S. priorities. France’s G7 presidency ends at year-end, with the United States next to hold the role. AFP reported that the Abu Dhabi talks are scheduled to continue through Wednesday, Nov. 11.
