U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced he will not attend the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa due to disagreements with the agenda focusing on diversity and climate change. Other nations plan to reaffirm their participation, indicating ongoing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and South Africa amid criticisms of U.S. foreign policy. Analysts warn Rubio’s absence may allow adversarial nations to advance their interests.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend the upcoming G20 meeting of foreign ministers hosted by South Africa, citing concerns over the agenda, which he characterized as anti-American. He criticized the focus on topics like diversity, equity, and climate change, asserting his role is to promote U.S. interests rather than engage with what he sees as anti-American sentiment.
Rubio emphasized that discussions at the G20 should center on pressing security issues such as terrorism and energy security, not on global inclusion and equity themes. The G20 brings together significant economies globally, including the EU and African Union, marking this year as the first time an African nation holds the rotating presidency.
Although Rubio will not attend, the U.S. will still be represented at a lower level, as confirmed by the South African government. The meeting’s agenda, according to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, focuses on broader issues beyond climate change, advocating for equitable treatment of Global South nations.
Relations between the U.S. and South Africa have been deteriorating, with President Trump previously accusing South Africa of land grabs and mistreatment of Afrikaners, leading to reduced U.S. financial assistance. While a controversial land reform law was passed in South Africa, no land seizures have occurred, and the white minority remains economically privileged.
In response to Rubio’s announcement, several other G20 nations reaffirmed their attendance, including members from the EU and Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng expressed their commitment to South Africa’s agenda, emphasizing growth, inequality reduction, and equitable financing for Global South nations.
Political analysts have noted that Rubio’s absence may allow countries like Russia and China to push their agendas without U.S. counterarguments. Experts suggest that boycotting international discussions could negate opportunities to influence outcomes. However, expectations remain that President Trump will attend the G20 summit in November, with the U.S. assuming the G20 presidency in December.
Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 meeting may weaken U.S. influence, allowing other nations to steer discussions. The South African government’s commitment to a broader agenda aims to address systemic inequalities, potentially sidelining U.S. interests. As other nations affirm their participation, the G20 meeting could pivot towards themes less favorable to U.S. priorities, with implications for future diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
