Germany and Italy’s foreign ministers affirmed Canada’s sovereignty at the G7 meeting on Thursday, addressing the common debate over the nation’s status. 

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, however, deflected questions on the matter, stating, "For me, it is not my job," he said. 

He emphasized broader G7 priorities, including peace efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The relations between the United States and Canada are at an all-time low, thanks to Trump's threats to impose tariffs on all imports from Canada and his frequent musing about annexing the country to make it the 51st U.S. state. 

Italy’s Foreign Minister spoke with the media and clarified, "For me, Canada would be Canada within the next years," but insisted that any concerns were a matter between Italy and Canada, not involving the United States.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was more direct, stating the G7’s commitment to territorial integrity. 

"This means every country in the world and obviously especially NATO countries like Canada, Germany, and all the others," she said, underscoring Canada’s firm place in the international order. 

The discussion came as G7 leaders met to address pressing global challenges, including political unrest in Venezuela, Ukraine, and negotiations for a two-state solution in the Middle East.

The meeting, held in Charlevoix, highlighted broader geopolitical cooperation despite the peculiar diplomatic moment. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attending as part of an American delegation, left with a smile.

Canadian foreign minister said she had a long and frank conversation with Rubio, and reiterated that despite Trump's repeated threats to make its neighbor to the north the 51st U.S. state, Canada would remain independent. - report from Reuters