ImNews Diplomatic Desk, Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa – The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting commenced today in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the shadow of escalating geopolitical tensions. Notably, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is absent, following President Donald Trump’s executive order halting foreign aid to South Africa over a contentious land reform law and South Africa’s legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice. In Rubio’s stead, acting ambassador Dana Brown represents the United States. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized that this absence does not equate to a full boycott of the proceedings. The summit, focusing on themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, is a pivotal event during South Africa’s G20 presidency, which began in December 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa is slated to address the assembly, aiming to navigate the complex diplomatic landscape and foster collaborative solutions to pressing global issues.