US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for enhanced cooperation among G20 foreign ministers on Friday, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to maintain geopolitical stability and economic prosperity amid ongoing global crises. He warned that recent conflicts have put the global economic order at significant risk.
The meeting in Atlanta has been contentious due to the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who attended at Rubio’s invitation. This has exacerbated tensions within the group, particularly over the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Reports suggest the meeting may conclude without a joint declaration, as consensus has been difficult to achieve since Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
During the meeting, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confronted Lavrov, stating, “Only yesterday your drones attacked and killed 15 people,” highlighting Russia’s actions in Ukraine. He condemned Lavrov’s country as the aggressor in the conflict.
After the meeting, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s stance, dismissing any change regarding Ukraine as a military threat to Russian security interests, according to Russian news outlets.
US officials revealed that they opted not to participate in the traditional G20 family photo following objections from European officials about posing with Lavrov. A US official remarked that they aimed to avoid a “spectacle” likely to overshadow the proceedings. This sentiment was echoed by Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who stated a photograph with Lavrov would be “unacceptable.” Lavrov himself acknowledged the tensions surrounding the photo, noting that there were “concerns” about it.
Addressing his counterparts, Rubio urged the group to identify common ground as they face interconnected crises affecting global energy and food supplies, trade, and navigation freedom. He stressed the importance of collaboration to safeguard shared interests before the upcoming leaders’ summit set for Miami, Florida, from December 14 to 16.
Two Western officials indicated broad agreement among G20 members regarding severe economic challenges triggered by the ongoing conflicts, especially in the Middle East. They expressed concern that renewed US military actions against Iran could significantly escalate oil prices and worsen economic pressures for many countries.
The gathering of foreign ministers was anticipated to conclude with a chair’s statement. However, substantial efforts will focus on drafting a joint declaration for G20 leaders to sign during their December summit. The attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the gathering remains uncertain.
As G20 members navigate the complexities of US-China strategic competition, the divide among nations, including Russia, China, and various middle powers, appears to be deepening, according to former State Department Chief Economist Heidi Crebo-Rediker.
