PNN – A source in the South African government reacted to the US’s non-participation in the G20 meeting.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, citing Novosti, a source in the South African government emphasized that the absence of the United States from the G20 summit in Johannesburg will never have any impact on the meeting.
He added that Pretoria would also welcome the US decision to participate in the closing ceremony of the meeting.
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South Africa emphasizes expanding cooperation among G20 members
It should be noted that the G20 summit began today, Saturday, in Johannesburg, South Africa; this is the first G20 summit on the African continent.
This year’s summit is marred by disagreements between Washington and the European Union over the future of Ukraine, as well as a stalemate in climate talks in Brazil.
The summit is attended by world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
However, the administration of US President Donald Trump has stated that South Africa’s priorities in the areas of trade cooperation and climate action are not aligned with US policies and the country’s president has refused to attend the summit.
The G20 consists of 19 member countries plus the European Union. The African Union attends some of the group’s meetings as a guest and observer.