Marco Rubio to Skip G20 Meeting Over Anti-American Criticism of South Africa
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will skip the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa, criticizing the host country’s policies as anti-American. This decision follows a visit to the Middle East discussing the war in Ukraine with Russian officials. Analysts view this as indicative of a broader U.S. indifference to international cooperation, while South Africa aims to advance issues for poorer nations during its presidency.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that he will not attend the upcoming G20 foreign ministers’ meeting set to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 20 and 21, 2025. This decision comes after he criticized South Africa’s policies as anti-American. Instead, Rubio is returning to the U.S. following discussions in Riyadh with Russian officials concerning the war in Ukraine.
Rubio’s absence at the G20 represents a significant shift in U.S. diplomacy amidst concerns over dwindling relations with South Africa, a critical trade partner in Africa. Per the State Department, Rubio has briefed European counterparts after his meetings in the Middle East, which included discussions with key diplomatic figures from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
The theme for this year’s G20 presidency in South Africa focuses on solidarity, equality, and sustainability, which Rubio has openly dismissed. He previously communicated via social media that he would not participate in the main G20 summit scheduled for November, stating that South Africa aims to promote diversity and inclusion frameworks, which he perceives as contrary to American interests.
This decision to skip the meeting aligns with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order halting U.S. assistance to South Africa over a controversial land law perceived to discriminate against the white minority. The order criticized South Africa’s foreign policy, particularly regarding its stance on Israel and relations with China, labelling it as anti-American.
Despite these tensions, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola commented that the U.S. will still have representation at the G20 event, suggesting that Rubio’s absence should not be viewed as a complete withdrawal from U.S. engagement with South Africa. Analysts believe that South Africa’s leadership can still foster progress within the G20 framework, although U.S. participation may be limited.
In the context of strained U.S.-South Africa relations, some observers acknowledge that while the G20 meeting offers an opportunity to promote inclusiveness, the differing foreign policy priorities of the United States and other G20 members could influence collaboration. Echoing this sentiment, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the necessity of strengthening multilateralism during this pivotal period for global diplomacy.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 meeting in South Africa underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, marked by criticisms of the host nation’s policies. While South Africa seeks to address global issues under its G20 presidency, the U.S. response reflects a broader disregard for international cooperation, reminiscent of the previous administration’s policies. However, representatives from other nations continue to underscore the need for inclusivity despite the reduced U.S. involvement at the event.
Original Source: apnews.com
