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S-Africa expresses worry over lack of G20 unity
(MENAFN) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa voiced concerns on Thursday about the failure of major world powers to reach a consensus on addressing global issues such as geopolitical tensions, wars, climate change, and hunger. Speaking at the opening of a G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa highlighted the growing threats to global stability, including rising intolerance, conflicts, pandemics, and food and energy insecurity.
Despite these pressing challenges, he noted, there is a lack of agreement among key powers, including G20 members, on how to effectively address them. The two-day summit takes place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions over issues like the Ukraine conflict and a dispute between South Africa and the US over a new land ownership law.
Currently holding the rotating presidency of the G20, which represents about 85% of the global economy, Ramaphosa has emphasized the need to focus on the development issues of poorer nations. He also aims to address climate change and inequality during his leadership, with the overarching theme of "solidarity, equality, and sustainability." However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized South Africa's agenda earlier this month, calling it "very bad," and chose to skip the summit. Additionally, President Trump has suspended aid to South Africa over the passage of a law allowing the expropriation of land owned by white South Africans.
In his speech, Ramaphosa defended the theme of collaboration, partnership, and solidarity, emphasizing that modern global challenges can only be tackled through joint efforts. He stated that South Africa wants its G20 presidency to be inclusive and ensure that all voices are heard.
On the sidelines of the conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Ramaphosa and suggested that the G20 should encourage Western nations to collaborate rather than impose unilateral solutions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed full support for South Africa's leadership but urged Pretoria and other African nations to press Russia for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to working with Russia, stating that the country maintains relationships with numerous nations, including Russia, the UK, France, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, and remains open to dialogue with all. He emphasized that excluding countries from diplomatic discussions is not part of South Africa's foreign policy.
Despite these pressing challenges, he noted, there is a lack of agreement among key powers, including G20 members, on how to effectively address them. The two-day summit takes place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions over issues like the Ukraine conflict and a dispute between South Africa and the US over a new land ownership law.
Currently holding the rotating presidency of the G20, which represents about 85% of the global economy, Ramaphosa has emphasized the need to focus on the development issues of poorer nations. He also aims to address climate change and inequality during his leadership, with the overarching theme of "solidarity, equality, and sustainability." However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized South Africa's agenda earlier this month, calling it "very bad," and chose to skip the summit. Additionally, President Trump has suspended aid to South Africa over the passage of a law allowing the expropriation of land owned by white South Africans.
In his speech, Ramaphosa defended the theme of collaboration, partnership, and solidarity, emphasizing that modern global challenges can only be tackled through joint efforts. He stated that South Africa wants its G20 presidency to be inclusive and ensure that all voices are heard.
On the sidelines of the conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Ramaphosa and suggested that the G20 should encourage Western nations to collaborate rather than impose unilateral solutions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed full support for South Africa's leadership but urged Pretoria and other African nations to press Russia for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to working with Russia, stating that the country maintains relationships with numerous nations, including Russia, the UK, France, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, and remains open to dialogue with all. He emphasized that excluding countries from diplomatic discussions is not part of South Africa's foreign policy.
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