Foreign ministers from some of the world's largest economies convened at a Group of 20 meeting in Johannesburg on Thursday, amid a boycott by the United States' top diplomat. The ministers aimed to counter perceived attempts by President Trump to disrupt the global order.
During the meeting, several of the United States' former allies sought to maintain a united front against Russia's invasion of Ukraine and reaffirm commitments to combat climate change, areas where the Trump administration has shifted U.S. policy.
President Trump has shown support for Russia's President Vladimir V. Putin, recently labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a dictator. Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s chief diplomat, remarked, “Putin is the dictator,” in response to Trump's comments.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov attended the meeting and advocated for Russia's position regarding Ukraine. Kallas criticized Lavrov and accused Russia of “brutally attacking” Ukraine, asserting that Moscow is not interested in peace.
Kallas emphasized the need for European unity against Russia, stating that European nations must act as a counterbalance to the unpredictable policies of the U.S. “As a European Union, we see that a lot of partners are turning to us because we are the reliable and the predictable partner,” she noted.
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his boycott of the G20 meeting, criticizing South Africa for its hosting choices, which he claimed promoted diversity and climate change.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended South Africa's summit theme, stating that it was collectively agreed upon. He highlighted the G20's role in coordinating macroeconomic policies, particularly in addressing the needs of developing countries.
This summit marks the first time an African nation has hosted the G20, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of African and developing nations. He called on wealthier countries to provide more funding for climate change initiatives and debt relief.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the challenges posed by the U.S., particularly following Trump's freeze on U.S. funding to South Africa and an executive order targeting South African law. Despite tensions, he expressed optimism about resolving differences, stating, “The secretary of state not attending is, in the end, not a train smash because the United States is still represented here.”