G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting Highlights Strained US Relations and Multilateralism Focus

The G20 meeting in South Africa saw President Cyril Ramaphosa stressing multilateralism amidst U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s boycott, expressing concerns over Trump’s ‘America First’ approach. The absence of major U.S. officials raises questions regarding the effectiveness of South Africa’s G20 presidency, which aims to support developing nations. Ramaphosa warned of the threats posed by rising intolerance and conflicts, urging international cooperation to confront global crises.

During the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of multilateralism and adherence to international law in addressing global challenges. His remarks come amid concerns regarding the United States’ isolationist ‘America First’ policy, particularly with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to boycott the meeting. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also stated he would miss the upcoming finance minister gathering due to prior commitments.

The G20, comprised of 19 countries along with the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), accounts for a significant portion of the global economy and population. Despite the absence of key U.S. officials, other major powers such as China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom participated in the discussions. The U.S. representation was limited to the deputy chief of mission at its South African embassy.

Ramaphosa highlighted the precarious nature of global stability, which is increasingly jeopardized by rising intolerance, conflicts, and climate change. He stressed the necessity for unified action from major global players within the G20 to address these pressing issues, reiterating the importance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter.

As South Africa leads the G20 until November 2025, the country aims to advocate for the interests of developing nations. However, tensions between South Africa and the U.S. have escalated under President Trump, who has accused the nation of discriminatory practices and has cut aid. These strained relations raise the question of how much South Africa can effectively achieve during its G20 presidency.

Rubio’s absence from the meeting has elicited further commentary, with him stating that he will not support South Africa’s use of the G20 platform to promote various agendas, labeling them anti-American. He stated, “My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.”

South Africa’s leadership in the G20 presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in navigating its relationship with the U.S. as tensions continue to rise. The international community watches closely to assess how the country will leverage its presidency to promote development while contending with significant geopolitical obstacles.

The G20 foreign ministers meeting in South Africa highlighted critical global issues through President Ramaphosa’s call for multilateralism and international law. The absence of U.S. top officials, amid growing tensions, suggests challenges ahead for South Africa’s G20 presidency as it seeks to advocate for developing nations against a backdrop of geopolitical discord. Ramaphosa’s comments and Rubio’s criticism illuminate the complex dynamics governing international relations today.

Original Source: www.bbc.com