JOHANNESBURG (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend a two-day meeting of foreign ministers from leading rich and developing nations starting Thursday, following criticisms of South Africa’s policies as anti-American. Rubio, returning from talks with Russia in the Middle East, spoke with European counterparts after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to the State Department.
While European and Chinese ministers are expected at the Group of 20 meeting in Johannesburg, the U.S. will be represented by a lower-level delegation. Rubio’s absence is seen as a reflection of the Trump administration’s lack of interest in international cooperation efforts, as well as a rejection of South Africa’s priorities for their G20 presidency.
South Africa aims to advocate for poor countries at the G20, focusing on debt refinancing and climate change mitigation. Rubio’s decision to skip the meeting signals a strained relationship with South Africa, a key trade partner in Africa. This rift has been exacerbated by recent U.S. actions, including a halt in aid to South Africa and criticism of its foreign policy.
Despite Rubio’s absence, South Africa remains committed to G20 cooperation and hopes to work with the U.S. as the next G20 president. Analysts believe progress can still be made under South Africa’s leadership, with support from the EU, Russia, and China.
The focus of African Diplomacy and Leadership is crucial in understanding the diverse drivers behind the foreign policies of key global players such as the United States, the European Union, and the G20 states. While acknowledging the distinct motivations shaping these foreign policies, it is evident that they are not always aligned. The recent decision of the Trump administration to engage in bilateral talks with Russia has raised concerns among European allies regarding the future of their cooperation. Despite this, the G20 meeting presented an opportunity for the European Union to advocate for inclusivity within the international diplomatic landscape.
Reflecting on the evolving global dynamics, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the current challenges faced by multilateralism. Kallas highlighted the necessity of leveraging this moment to enhance the inclusiveness of the international system, ensuring the representation of all nations worldwide. The remarks made by Kallas in South Africa underscore the ongoing dialogue surrounding the need to adapt and strengthen global governance structures to address contemporary geopolitical realities.
The insights provided by Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Mogomotsi Magome in Johannesburg; and Gerald Imray in Cape Town, South Africa offer valuable perspectives on the diplomatic landscape and the efforts being made to foster cooperation and inclusivity among nations on the global stage.
