The G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg ended on a positive note, despite the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola called the gathering a success. He dismissed concerns that the US was boycotting the event. The US sent embassy staff from Pretoria in place of Rubio.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called Rubio’s absence “regrettable.” He said it reflected declining US engagement in global affairs. “The US is here, but not at the political level,” he stated.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of global cooperation. He warned that growing divisions in the G20 could threaten international stability. He urged members to uphold multilateralism and international law.
Key Priorities Endorsed
Lamola presented a chairperson’s summary confirming that G20 ministers supported South Africa’s priorities including;
- Sustainable development
- Debt relief for low-income nation
- Global financial reform
Three task forces were established:
- Task Force One: Economic growth, industrialization, employment, and reducing inequality.
- Task Force Two: Food security.
- Task Force Three: Artificial intelligence, data governance, and sustainable innovation.
South Africa also introduced new initiatives. These included a review of the G20’s work, a cost of capital assessment, and a broadened Compact with Africa 2.0. The country also proposed an initiative on critical minerals.
Finance Meeting Ends Without Consensus
The G20 Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Cape Town ended without a joint communique. South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana expressed disappointment. He said countries failed to agree on major economic issues, including climate finance.
Several top finance ministers, including those from the US, China, India, and Japan, did not attend. Their absence weakened efforts to push for financial reforms that favor poor countries.
Despite the lack of consensus, the meeting’s chair summary reaffirmed commitments to resisting protectionism. It also called for fair and inclusive global trade. However, some terms used in the statement were opposed by the US.
Ukraine War and Global Tensions
Geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine, influenced discussions at the G20. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the meeting, while EU nations continued to support Ukraine.
Ramaphosa urged the G20 to focus on diplomacy. He called for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and the Sahel. He emphasized that “cooperation is our greatest strength.”
US President Donald Trump’s policies also added tension. He cut aid to South Africa following a dispute over land reform and the country’s genocide case against Israel. His administration also rejected the G20’s diversity and equity agenda.
Economic and Trade Challenges
Trade reforms were another major focus. South Africa’s Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo said G20 members agreed that global trade rules under the World Trade Organization need improvement. He highlighted the need for changes in financial governance to support developing nations.
The finance meeting also discussed economic risks. Inflation has decreased in some countries due to better monetary policies. However, growth patterns vary across economies.
Looking Ahead
South Africa remains committed to making the G20 a platform for addressing global challenges. Despite disagreements, the country’s presidency reaffirmed the group’s role in economic cooperation.
Ramaphosa called on nations to find common ground through constructive engagement. He stressed that the G20 must advocate for solutions to global conflicts and economic inequalities.
While divisions remain, the discussions in Johannesburg and Cape Town set the stage for further negotiations. The success of South Africa’s G20 presidency will depend on its ability to bridge gaps among members.
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