President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to concerns surrounding the US’s absence from the upcoming G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, asserting that it cannot be classified as a boycott.
The meeting, held at Nasrec, marks South Africa’s first time hosting such high-level talks, highlighting the nation’s growing international influence.
Despite the absence of key figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ramaphosa remains optimistic that the gathering will proceed as planned and that the global discussions will continue to foster important dialogues.
Strained Relations Between South Africa and the US
Tensions between Pretoria and Washington have been mounting recently, with disputes over South Africa’s land policies contributing to the strained diplomatic relationship. Rubio’s decision to withdraw from the G20 summit is widely seen as a reflection of these ongoing issues.
Adding to the concerns, US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent also announced that he would not attend the finance track meeting next week in Cape Town, further fueling speculation about the future of US participation in the forum.
However, President Ramaphosa dismissed the idea that the absence of foreign ministers would derail the summit.
“The absence of some leaders is not the end of the world,” Ramaphosa commented. “We are hopeful that as many leaders as possible will be able to attend. The G20 family will still meet, discuss critical matters, and come out with a declaration.”
Positive Communication with President Trump Despite Tensions
Amid these diplomatic challenges, Ramaphosa also addressed the possibility that US President Donald Trump may skip the G20 leaders’ gathering later this year.
He noted that their communication has remained positive, citing a conversation he had with Trump shortly after his election. Ramaphosa conveyed his congratulations and discussed the upcoming summit, which South Africa will host before passing the G20 presidency to the US in 2026.
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The two leaders also exchanged lighthearted remarks about Trump’s passion for golf. Despite their differences, Ramaphosa expressed confidence that the G20 summit would proceed smoothly.
“We will continue working through any challenges,” Ramaphosa said. “I believe in finding solutions, and I think President Trump does as well.” With this assurance, Ramaphosa remains focused on maintaining strong relations with the US, navigating any difficulties with optimism.
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