US EditionTrump's Empty Chair at G20 Summit Is Opportunity for South African Hosts
South Africa is negotiating with the U.S. following a last-minute decision to join the G20 summit, despite earlier U.S. objections over South Africa's policy priorities.
- On 22 and 23 November, South Africa is hosting the G20 leaders' summit in Johannesburg, and President Cyril Ramaphosa said the United States told South Africa it wants to take part, calling it a "positive sign."
- Months of diplomatic friction have left ties strained as the U.S. government scrapped health programs, withdrew a $1 billion climate finance commitment, and imposed 30 percent tariffs this year.
- Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said Thursday, "We will not be told by anyone who is absent that we cannot adopt a declaration or make any decisions at the summit," as South Africa vowed to press on seeking consensus on a leaders' declaration.
- That stance threatens the summit's ability to issue a joint declaration as the U.S. warned no final statement by G20 leaders could be issued without its presence, lowering the meeting's profile during South Africa's handover to the United States.
- As the first African G20 chair, South Africa benefits from EU pledges of 11.5 billion and active B20 participation, emphasizing climate finance and a just energy transition.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Expectations for the G20 summit next weekend are falling. After the US, Russia and China, the heads of state of Argentina and Mexico have now also cancelled their participation in the meeting in South Africa.
Two days before the G20 summit, South Africa's President announced that the US would take part in the meeting in his country.
By GERALD IMRAY and MOGOMOTSI MAGOME JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) — The United States has “changed its mind” and wants to participate in the Group of 20 summit in South Africa, reversing its boycott, the South African president said Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the host country had received communication from the United States “at the last minute” and was now working on logistics to accommodate American officials. U.S. President D…
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