At the G20 meeting in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for cooperation and adherence to international law to address global crises. He expressed concern over divisions among nations, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict. The meeting highlighted absent U.S. diplomacy under Trump, with emphasis on the importance of diplomatic engagements to resolve conflicts worldwide.
At a recent G20 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of cooperation and adherence to international law in addressing global crises. He expressed concern over the deepening divisions within the G20, particularly regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict and its implications for international relations. Ramaphosa declared, “It is critical that the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and international law should remain at the centre of all our endeavours. It should be the glue that keeps us together.” He highlighted the lack of consensus among major powers on critical issues, warning that this fragmentation threatens global stability.
The gathering was marked by notable absences, particularly that of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who criticized the meeting’s agenda. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump had reduced aid to South Africa over disputes concerning historical racial injustices and legal actions against Israel. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended, representing a contrasting stance, as other attendees condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Ramaphosa urged the G20 to continue pursuing diplomatic avenues to resolve conflicts, including those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Sahel, and Gaza. He called for constructive engagement among nations, stressing that collective action is paramount to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and alleviate the humanitarian crises stemming from ongoing conflicts. Amidst shifting U.S. foreign policy under Trump, divisions remain sharp, posing challenges for collaborative decision-making.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address at the G20 underscored the need for unity and adherence to international law in addressing pressing global crises. Despite divisive issues, he advocated for constructive engagement to find common ground among nations. The meeting highlighted geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict, and the importance of cooperation in ensuring global stability. As the landscape evolves, the G20’s role becomes crucial in fostering diplomatic solutions and addressing the humanitarian impacts of ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
