G7 allies avoid divisions with Rubio playing 'good guy' role

By John Irish and Daphne Psaledakis

LA MALBAIE, Quebec (Reuters) - It could have been disastrous. Just a day before the end of a three-day meeting of G7 foreign ministers in a remote snowy Canadian resort, some of the United States' closest allies wondered whether their divisions could explode into public.

Wranglings over wording on Ukraine issues ranging from territorial integrity to security guarantees and possible new sanctions on Russia were arduous. Language on the Israel-Palestinian conflict and notions of a two-state solution needed diplomatic finesse to satisfy all sides.

President Donald Trump's tariffs as well as his friendlier approach to Russia have shocked allies and initially soured the normally friendly G7 gathering. Diplomats worked late into the night, rare for a meeting of allies traditionally aligned on most subjects.

But by Friday morning, like the choosing of a new Pope, the white smoke appeared and ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with the European Union, overcame differences, surprising even themselves to stand united in a joint communique.

Ahead of the meeting, G7 diplomats had questioned whether U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, joining the gathering following a high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, would adopt the combative approach of his boss or be willing to work closely with allies.

Afterwards, G7 diplomats credited the top U.S. diplomat, saying he was instrumental in finalizing a deal on a joint communique, with one calling him a "good guy."

Rubio did not hold back in the negotiations, according to four diplomats aware of the talks. He was candid, firm on the administration's key positions on China and the Middle East, but also flexible on other issues, and listened to how allies perceived the situation, notably on Ukraine.

"I think what's important, and something I said at the outset, which everybody agreed with, is that we're not going to allow the things we disagree on - and we'll disagree on things - to keep us from working closely on the things we agree on," Rubio told reporters.

"There are a lot of those. And hopefully the statement reflects that, and our actions will reflect that."

One issue, for example, was the Middle East peace process. Diplomats said Rubio was steadfast in his position that mention of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestinians was a red line.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment asking about Rubio's role in the discussions.

BECOMING FRIENDS

Relations between the United States and Canada are at a modern-day 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.

Still, there were lighter moments behind the scenes and room for personal relationships to develop.

Promising to be on the offensive about tariffs, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly jokingly thanked Rubio in one session when he referred to Canada as a nation, according to two diplomats.

"She's become a friend in the last few weeks as we work together," Rubio said, adding that he had gotten to know her in his role as secretary of state. The two held bilateral talks on Thursday morning.

While the top U.S. diplomat was absent from some of the colorful social events on the sidelines, such as a marshmallow sandwich reception hosted by Joly, diplomats said he emerged as a reliable counterpart, providing a respite from the often unpredictable messages of the Trump administration.

"Rubio is quite a good guy in the administration, so we'd like to support him so that he can play an important or influential role within the Trump administration," said a G7 diplomat.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk and Rod Nickel)