Diplomatic tensions with Washington not only require a deep reorientation of Canadian foreign policy, but also new approaches in the very way of diplomacy, argues the minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly.
“Often, in diplomacy, it is very choreographed by diplomats. The words are well measured, the expressions are planned. But there, we are no longer in it, ”says the head of Canadian diplomacy in an editorial table at Duty.
Donald Trump’s approach really breaks with traditional diplomatic codes. Since his return to the White House, the president and his entourage have been very little accessible for many diplomats and heads of state. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had also struggled to reach the president, at the start of a trade war at the start of the year.
“What happens with the Americans is that there is only one decision -maker, and that’s it, the problem. When there is only one decision maker, no matter who we talk to, we always try to guess what will be his decision ultimately, ”explains Mélanie Joly.
This new reality forced the head of Canadian diplomacy to tighten its ties with several members of the Trump government, such as the Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, of which she became “very close”.
“It may seem surprising, because it is very republican and it is very colorful,” she admits. But when I speak to him, I am able, at least, to know how the entourage of Trump thinks. »»
It may seem surprising, because it is very republican and it is very colorful. But when I speak to him, I am able, at least, to know how the entourage of Trump thinks.
Rhetoric concerning the annexation of Canada as 51e American state, raised repeatedly by Donald Trump, also slipped into conversations with certain American interlocutors. Although she believes that the “serious” president is taking the words of the president, Mélanie Joly rejects the idea.
“Behind the scenes, when I am told about annexation, often, I answer:” Start by taking care of your 50 states, then after, we will talk about it “,” she says, referring to political “schism” in the United States.
An inevitable rapprochement with Europe
The trade war launched by President Trump also completely redefined the Federal Government’s foreign policy. “Canada must have a foreign policy based on its interests. Yes, the defense of human rights, yes, the defense of our values [sont importantes]but, fundamentally, in a dangerous and unstable world, with a very unpredictable American president, we must be able to defend our interests in the world, ”she argues.
Canada is inevitably heading for a “important rapprochement” with Europe, a “key” ally both in terms of commercial and military level, says Mélanie Joly.
-After Donald Trump’s first declarations on the “51e State “, at the beginning of the year, Ottawa began discussions with Europe on the strengthening of their links in terms of security and defense. The Minister indicates that she worked a lot, towards the end of Justin Trudeau’s mandate, on this rapprochement, especially with Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark.
“We are progressive countries, and also countries that must deal with the rapprochement between Russia and China in our region of the world. I think that is where things will really increase. This rapprochement will be done quickly, ”she says.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, in office for a month, had also made a key element of his exchanges with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during his first official trip abroad in his new functions.
According to the minister, the time is now for decisions for the future of Canadian sovereignty. “The question is how we manage our security partnership with the Americans when it is no longer a reliable partner and things have changed completely. »»
Strengthen links with the African continent
Beyond Europe, Minister Joly works to establish new strategic partnerships with Asia, such as Japan and Korea, but also to weave closer links with Africa-a strategy that will also strengthen links with European countries.
Liberals recently published Canada’s strategy for Africa, a new foreign policy for “strengthening Canada’s commitment to Africa”.
“When we see Europe and we tell them that we will help them manage geopolitical issues via our humanitarian aid, we also become as a reliable partner. So it also helps us with our closest allies. »»
“We know that the concern of Europe is certainly that the population [africaine] may have opportunities and can continue to live in these countries rather than [de les quitter dans] Large migratory waves that create a lot, many problems for Europe. »»
Trump “respect” the Force
The Minister of Foreign Affairs insists, like her leader, Mark Carney, on the importance of obtaining a strong mandate in Ottawa at the end of the April 28 federal election.
Wednesday evening, during the debate of chiefs in French, the Liberal chief underlined the need to elect a majority government in the House of Commons. The opposition leaders Yves-François Blanchet and Jagmeet Singh have pleaded for a minority government, which would offer the balance of power to another political party.
However, a majority government, “it changes everything”, argues Mélanie Joly. “Especially when the issue of negotiations with the Americans comes. What Donald Trump respects is strength. The more we give a strong mandate, that we send a clear message to the White House, the better we will be positioned during negotiations. »»
