At the recent G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of multilateralism and adherence to international law in addressing global crises, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He called for collective action to resolve disputes through negotiation and inclusive dialogue, underscoring the necessity of upholding international law to achieve lasting peace.
The meeting was marked by heightened tensions over the Ukraine conflict. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Russia’s commitment to peace, stating that Russia had “learned nothing” from the war and highlighting the importance of adhering to the UN Charter for a lasting peace.
In contrast, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the meeting, offering an opportunity for European nations to present a unified stance on the conflict.
The United States’ participation was notably absent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio chose to skip the meeting, accusing South Africa of “anti-Americanism” and criticizing the host country’s policies. This decision reflects the strained relations between the U.S. and South Africa, particularly concerning South Africa’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its land expropriation policies.
Despite these tensions, South Africa remains committed to its G20 presidency agenda, focusing on issues such as inequality, sovereign debt, and climate change. The country aims to advocate for developing economies in Africa and the Global South, building on the efforts of previous G20 presidencies.
In summary, the G20 meeting in Johannesburg underscored the complexities of international diplomacy amid the Ukraine conflict. South Africa’s call for cooperation and adherence to international law highlights its dedication to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of global disputes.
