Will the G20 Summit Proceed Without US Participation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- G20 Leaders' Meeting will proceed despite US absence.
- South Africa has prepared extensively for the summit.
- Global leaders, aside from the US, are expected to attend.
- South Africa emphasizes the importance of collaboration.
- Security measures are in place for the event.
Johannesburg, Nov 15 (NationPress) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the forthcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Meeting will take place as scheduled, despite the United States opting out of participation.
During a statement in Kliptown, Johannesburg, Ramaphosa declared that South Africa is prepared to host global leaders and ensure a successful conference. "The summit will proceed. We will not halt our plans due to their absence," he stated, noting that numerous G20 leaders have already affirmed their attendance.
Ramaphosa pointed out that US President Donald Trump has withdrawn all American representatives, citing claims of unfair treatment towards Afrikaners and alleged "genocide."
He emphasized that "boycott politics never yield positive outcomes," adding, "If you choose to boycott an event or a process, you ultimately lose because the show continues."
On the same day, South Africa's Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni asserted that the nation's G20 presidency will remain influential and successful, despite the absence of the United States at the upcoming G20 Leaders' Meeting.
At a media briefing in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, Ntshavheni stressed that the lack of US participation will not "lessen" the significance or impact of the meeting, which convenes the globe's leading economies.
"Their absence is not exclusive to South Africa. It does not alter our efforts, nor does it diminish our work," she noted, adding that other global leaders have confirmed their intention to attend the summit, as reported by Xinhua.
Her comments followed Donald Trump's announcement that the US would not engage in the summit and suggested that South Africa should not be part of the G20.
Ntshavheni also underscored the preparations her country has undertaken since assuming the G20 presidency from Brazil in December of the previous year. "South Africa has conducted 130 preparatory meetings without incident, showcasing the richness of our provinces and tourist attractions," she remarked.
As the G20 Leaders' Summit approaches on November 22 and 23 in Johannesburg, the largest city and economic center of South Africa, the minister expressed confidence in the measures taken for preparations and security.
"Thorough safety and security protocols for the Leaders' Summit and the Social Summit are being coordinated by the appropriate security agencies," she added.