US Confirms Representation at G20 Foreign Ministers’ Summit in South Africa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that the United States will be represented at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg this week, despite the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio, who recently accused South Africa of anti-Americanism, has opted to skip the summit, fueling ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

US Representation at Key G20 Meetings

While Secretary Rubio will not attend, a US delegation will be present at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ summit in Johannesburg. Additionally, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to participate in the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meeting in Cape Town later this month, according to SABC News.

These meetings play a critical role in shaping global economic and foreign policy, and the US presence signals continued engagement despite political friction.

South Africa’s G20 Priorities: Africa and the Global South

As the current G20 President, South Africa is emphasizing the needs of Africa and the Global South on the international development agenda. Key themes for the summit include:

Solidarity – Strengthening global partnerships.
Equality – Promoting fair and balanced international relations.
Sustainability – Advancing sustainable economic and social development.

South Africa aims to use its G20 platform to amplify African voices and address challenges faced by developing nations.

Diplomatic Tensions Between South Africa and the US

Rubio’s absence highlights growing tensions between South Africa and the United States, particularly around issues of foreign policy alignment and international relations.

Despite this, the US commitment to attending major G20 meetings suggests that diplomatic channels remain open as both countries navigate their differences on the world stage.

As the G20 meetings progress, attention will focus on:

• Outcomes from discussions on global economic policies.
• US-South Africa relations and any diplomatic developments.
• South Africa’s efforts to advance the interests of Africa and the Global South.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com